It was in the Second World War when guided cruise and ballistic missiles began to be used operationally. To the first group belong the V-1 and the second V-2 of Nazi Germany. The V-1s had a range of up to 370 kmspeed of 640km/hthey flew at an altitude of between 1 and 2 km and its explosive charge was 850kg. The V-2s reached a little less, up to 330 kmthey flew to 5,760 km/h at a height of up to 90km and the load was a ton. Both were imprecise, with a CEP (Circular Probable Error or Probable Circular Error) of several kilometers, and they did not save Germany from losing the war, but since then a lot of ground has been covered.
Current missiles can travel half the world to a target, carry much more destructive payloads, even with the capacity to launch multiple warheads, and have a CEP of meters. six nations They have the most apocalyptic missiles that exist, in terms of range and payload. They are the following.
1) RS-28 Sarmat (Satan II)
Country: Russia.
Scope: up to 18,000 km.
Payload: 10,000 kg.
Developed to replace the R-36M Voyevodathe RS-28 Sarmat is a ICBM or liquid-fueled super-heavy intercontinental ballistic missile with MIRV (Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles).
It can take around 10 tons load – about ten heavy warheads or up to fifteen light ones – and their short impulse phase reduces the detection window by infrared satellites. Moscow has also advertised a capacity FOBS (Fractional Orbital Bombardment System) with which it places warheads on low orbital trajectories that complicate early detection and interception.
2) DF-41
Country: China.
Scope: 12,000–15,000 km.
Payload: up to 10 nuclear warheads.
He Dongfeng-41 (DF-41) It is China’s most advanced ICBM and was first presented in 2015. With more than 12,000 km range, is among the most powerful missiles and can carry up to ten warheads with independent objectives. His road mobile launcher improves survival by making it more difficult to detect and destroy; it is operated by Rocket Force of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
3) LGM-35 Sentinel
Country: USA.
Scope: approximately 13,000 km.
Payload: up to 3 Mk 12A or 1 Mk 21 reentry vehicles with countermeasures.
He LGM-35A Sentinel is the US’s next-generation ICBM, intended to replace the LGM-30G Minuteman III. It is designed for older precision, flexibility and resilience and will be the land base of the nuclear triad under the US Air Force Global Strike Command with propulsion, guidance and command modernized, they are expected to enter service in the mid-nineties. 2030s.
4) Trident II D5
Country: US/UK.
Scope: 2,000–12,000 km.
Payload: up to 10 MIRV warheads of 150–300 kilotons each.
He Trident II (D5) is a submarine-launched ICBM used by USA and the United Kingdom.
Deployed on submarines Ohiocan achieve objectives at more than 12,000 km and since its entry into service in 1990 has received improvements in range, precision and reliability.
It is considered one of the most strategic systems accurate and reliablecornerstone of the nuclear deterrent of both nations.
5) RS-24 Yars
Country: Russia.
Scope: 10,500–11,000 km.
Payload: up to 10 MIRV warheads of 150–300 kilotons.
He RS-24 Yars It is an ICBM operational since 2010 and successor of Topol-M. Suitable for launch from silos and mobile platformscarries multiple warheads with independent objectives. It is one of the most advanced of Russia and an essential pillar of its deterrence.
6) M51
Country: France.
Scope: 8,000 km.
Payload: 4–6 MIRV warheads up to 150 kilotons.
He M51 It is the French SLBM (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile) and a key piece of the Force de frappeas the French nuclear deterrent force is colloquially called.
In service since 2010it is a missile three stages which uses solid fuel, weighs more than 50 tons and is 12 meters long. Each French submarine carries 16M51 with intercontinental reach.
The version M51.3which will relieve the M51.2has already passed the qualification tests. It can exceed the 2,000 km apogee and re-enter until Mach 20.
7) R-29RMU2.1 Layner
Country: Russia.
Scope: 12,000 km (with reduced load).
Payload: up to 12 low-power MIRV warheads.
He layner It is a SLBM three stages with 2,800kg of throwing weight. You can carry up to 12 warheads low power (100–300 kt) and combines advanced decoys and countermeasures with maneuverable reentry vehicles capable of retargeting in flight to overcome anti-missile defenses.
8) LGM-30G Minuteman III
Country: USA.
Scope: 13,000 km.
Payload: W78 (335 kt) or W87 (300 kt).
He Minuteman III is a silo-launched ICBM integrated into the Global Strike Command of the US Air Force. It is designed to give a quick response and high survivalis housed in reinforced silos and controlled from underground centers operated 24/7 by teams of two officers. The security and redundancy of your communicationsThey guarantee the execution of presidential orders in any circumstance.
9) JL-2
Country: China.
Scope: 8,000–9,000 km.
Payload: MIRV capability (up to 8 warheads).
He JL-2 is an intercontinental range SLBM derived from the DF-31. You can carry a single warhead of a megaton or three to eightwarheadsMIRV smaller. Employ inertial guidance and GPScan display lures and countermeasures and equip submarines Type 094 (Jin class)with up to 12 missiles each.
10) Agni-V
Country: India.
Scope: more than 7,000 km.
Payload: 1,000 kg (nuclear or conventional).
He Agni-V It is the most advanced surface-to-surface missile in the series Agni of India, with cutting-edge technologies in navigation, guidance, warhead design and propulsion.
It constitutes the main element of the strategic deterrence India and consolidates the country as one of the major nuclear powers from Asia.