In the modern landscape of defense technology, speed has become one of the defining characteristics of military superiority. Among the most cutting-edge advancements are supersonic and hypersonic missiles, which travel at extraordinary velocities to strike with precision and evade complex defense systems. These weapons not only redefine warfare but also raise the stakes of global strategic competition.
Five missiles stand out as the fastest ever developed: the Avangard, DF-41, Trident II, Minuteman III, and RS-28 Sarmat.
1. Avangard – Russia’s Hypersonic Breakthrough
Russia’s Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle has redefined the global arms race. Capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 27, or approximately 32,200 kilometers per hour, the Avangard combines speed with extraordinary maneuverability. It can shift direction mid-flight, making it nearly impossible for current missile defense systems to intercept. First deployed in 2019, this missile is equipped with a nuclear payload and designed to be launched atop an intercontinental ballistic missile, descending on its target with blinding speed and unpredictable motion. This combination of speed, evasion, and destructive power places the Avangard at the very top of the list.
2. DF-41 – China’s Fastest Intercontinental Missile
The Dongfeng-41, or DF-41, is China’s fastest and longest-range intercontinental ballistic missile. It is capable of achieving speeds up to Mach 25, which translates to roughly 30,600 kilometers per hour. The missile has a maximum range of up to 15,000 kilometers, allowing it to strike targets across continents. The DF-41 is designed to carry multiple independently targetable nuclear warheads (MIRVs), enhancing its ability to strike multiple targets simultaneously or overwhelm enemy defenses. Its speed and strategic range make it a centerpiece of China’s deterrence strategy.
3. Trident II (D5) – America’s Sea-Based Nuclear Precision
Trident II, officially designated the Trident D5, is the primary submarine-launched ballistic missile in the United States Navy’s nuclear arsenal. Traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 24, or around 29,654 kilometers per hour, the Trident II is launched from stealth submarines, giving it a second-strike capability that is both mobile and highly secure. The missile is renowned for its accuracy and can carry multiple nuclear warheads via MIRV technology. In continuous service since the early 1990s, the Trident II remains a key pillar of the United States’ strategic deterrence posture.
4. Minuteman III – The Backbone of U.S. Land-Based ICBMs
The Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile represents one of the longest-standing components of the U.S. nuclear triad. Capable of reaching a top speed of Mach 23, or about 28,200 kilometers per hour, the Minuteman III has remained in service for decades due to its reliability and effectiveness. Designed for land-based launch, it provides rapid-response capabilities and is housed in hardened silos across the continental United States. It is equipped to carry either single or multiple warheads, and modernization programs have ensured its continued relevance in today’s high-speed missile environment.
5. RS-28 Sarmat – Russia’s Ultimate Heavyweight Missile
The RS-28 Sarmat, often referred to by NATO as “Satan 2,” is Russia’s most formidable intercontinental ballistic missile in terms of payload and projected capabilities. While its exact top speed remains classified, it is widely believed to exceed Mach 20.64, or approximately 25,500 kilometers per hour. The Sarmat is designed to carry both MIRVs and hypersonic glide vehicles like the Avangard. With a maximum range reaching up to 18,000 kilometers, it can strike virtually any point on the globe. Its sheer power, strategic range, and speed make it one of the most feared missiles currently in existence.
