Top 10 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, List, Range, Speed

The Top 10 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles represent the most advanced nuclear deterrence systems globally, combining extreme range, payload capacity, accuracy, survivability, and penetration capabilities. These missiles form the backbone of nuclear triads maintained by major powers such as Russia, the United States, China, France, and India. Technological advancements like MIRVs, hypersonic glide vehicles, canisterised launches, and satellite-aided navigation have significantly enhanced their effectiveness. Deployed on land, sea, and mobile platforms, these missiles ensure credible deterrence and strategic stability in an era of evolving missile defence systems.

Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs)

Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) are the most powerful long-range nuclear delivery systems in modern warfare. These missiles can strike targets beyond 5,500 kilometres, travelling through space before re-entering Earth’s atmosphere at hypersonic speeds exceeding Mach 20. ICBMs can be launched from underground silos, mobile road launchers, or submarines, ensuring survivability and second-strike capability. Equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs), a single missile can hit multiple targets simultaneously. As of 2025, Russia possesses the world’s largest ICBM force, with around 306 strategic missiles capable of carrying nearly 1,185 nuclear warheads.

Top 10 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles List

The list of Top 10 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles has been given below: 

1. RS-28 Sarmat (Russia)
2. DF-41 (China)
3. LGM-35 Sentinel (United States)
4. Trident II D5 (United States / United Kingdom)
5. RS-24 Yars (Russia)
6. M51 (France)
7. R-29RMU2.1 Layner (Russia)
8. LGM-30G Minuteman III (United States)
9. JL-2 (China)
10. Agni-V (India)

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RS-28 Sarmat (Russia)

RS-28 Sarmat, also called Satan II, is Russia’s heaviest and longest-range ICBM, designed to defeat all existing missile defence systems globally. Features:

• Launch weight: ~208 tonnes; length: 35.3 metres
• Maximum range: up to 18,000 kilometres
• Liquid-fuelled, silo-based missile
• Carries 10-15 MIRVs or 3 Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles
• Individual warhead yield: up to 750 kilotons
• Uses Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS)
• Can approach targets via South Pole trajectory
• Central pillar of Russia’s strategic deterrence

DF-41 (China)

DF-41 is China’s most advanced road-mobile ICBM, enhancing survivability and long-range nuclear strike capability. Features:

• Range: 12,000-15,000 kilometres
• Solid-fuel, three-stage missile
• Speed: approximately Mach 25
• Capable of carrying up to 10 MIRVs
• Uses BeiDou satellite-aided guidance
• Accuracy: ~100 metres CEP
• Operated by PLA Rocket Force
• Entered service around 2017

LGM-35 Sentinel (United States)

LGM-35 Sentinel is a next-generation silo-based ICBM replacing Minuteman III for long-term land deterrence.

• Range: approximately 13,000 kilometres
• Three-stage, solid-fuel missile
• Warheads: W87 Mod 0 or Mod 1 (300-475 kt)
• Managed by Northrop Grumman
• Program cost: about USD 140.9 billion
• Deployment planned around 2030
• Designed to remain operational until 2075

Trident II D5 (United States)

Trident II D5 is a highly accurate submarine-launched missile forming the sea-based nuclear deterrent of NATO powers. It was developed by the United States, although used by both the United States as well as the United Kingdom. Features:

• Range: about 12,000 kilometres
• Speed: Mach 24
• Carries up to 8 MIRVs
• Accuracy: ~90 metres CEP
• Deployed on Ohio-class and Vanguard submarines
• Over 190 successful test launches
• Operational since the 1990s

RS-24 Yars (Russia)

RS-24 Yars is a modern Russian solid-fuel ICBM designed for both silo and mobile deployment. Features:

• Range: ~10,500 kilometres
• Launch weight: ~49,000 kg
• Carries up to 10 MIRVs
• Warhead yield: 150-300 kilotons
• Uses inertial plus GLONASS guidance
• Accuracy: ~250 metres CEP
• Equipped with advanced decoys and penetration aids

Also Read: Missiles of India

M51 (France)

M51 is France’s primary submarine-launched ballistic missile ensuring independent nuclear deterrence capability at sea.

• Range: ~8,000 kilometres
• Three-stage solid-fuel missile
• Launch weight: ~53,000 kg
• Carries 4-6 MIRVs
• Warheads: TN-75 or TNO (up to 150 kt)
• Deployed on Triomphant-class submarines
• Operational since 2010

R-29RMU2.1 Layner (Russia)

R-29RMU2.1 Layner strengthens Russia’s naval nuclear forces with flexible warhead configurations and extended strike range.

• Range: up to 12,000 kilometres
• Submarine-launched from Delta IV class
• Carries up to 12 low-yield MIRVs
• Designed to overwhelm missile defences
• Uses advanced countermeasures and decoys
• Ensures credible second-strike capability

LGM-30G Minuteman III (United States)

Minuteman III remains the backbone of America’s land-based nuclear deterrent despite gradual replacement plans. Features:

• Range: ~13,000 kilometres
• In service since 1970
• Three-stage solid-fuel missile
• Current load: single W78 or W87 warhead
• Yield: 300-475 kilotons
• Accuracy: ~120 metres CEP
• Deployed in hardened underground silos

JL-2 (China)

JL-2 provides China with its first credible sea-based nuclear deterrence capability through submarine deployment.Features:

• Range: ~7,000-8,000 kilometres
• Deployed on Type-094 Jin-class submarines
• Solid-fuel propulsion
• Carries 3-4 MIRVs
• Warhead yield: ~90 kilotons each
• Uses inertial and satellite-assisted guidance

Agni-V (India)

Agni-V is India’s longest-range missile, enabling credible minimum deterrence and strengthening strategic reach beyond Asia. Features:

• Range: 7,000-8,000 kilometres
• Three-stage solid-fuel missile
• Road-mobile and canisterised launch system
• Speed: up to Mach 24
• Carries 3-6 MIRVs (future capability- 10-12)
• Accuracy: less than 10 metres CEP
• Uses inertial navigation with NavIC/ GPS support
• Core component of India’s nuclear triad