Fastest Beast: World’s 10 Most Lethal Missiles Capable Of Destroying Any Country - Where Does India Stand? (2024)

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The DF-41 is China's most advanced and fastest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), capable of reaching speeds of Mach 25 (approximately 30,625 km/h or 19,030 mph) and covering a range of 15,000 km (9,320 miles). Equipped with multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), it can precisely strike multiple targets across continents.

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The Trident II is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) used by the United States, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 24 (approximately 29,400 km/h or 18,270 mph) with a range of 12,000 km (7,456 miles). Deployed on U.S. Ohio-class and U.K. Vanguard-class submarines, it is a vital component of both nations' nuclear deterrent. The missile carries multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) and is renowned for its high accuracy, ensuring an effective second-strike capability.

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The Minuteman III, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from the United States, is a crucial element of the U.S. nuclear triad, traveling at speeds of Mach 23 (approximately 28,300 km/h or 17,600 mph) with a range of 13,000 km (8,080 miles). In service since the 1970s, it is known for delivering nuclear warheads with exceptional accuracy and has been continually upgraded to maintain its reliability.

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The Hwasong-15 is North Korea's most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), capable of reaching speeds over Mach 22 (approximately 27,000 km/h or 16,777 mph) with a range of 13,000 km (8,080 miles). This missile is theoretically capable of delivering a nuclear payload to the entire U.S. mainland, posing a significant impact on global security dynamics.

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The RS-28 Sarmat, known as "Satan 2," is a Russian intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that travels at speeds exceeding Mach 20 (approximately 24,500 km/h or 15,220 mph) and has a range of 18,000 km (11,185 miles). As one of the most powerful ICBMs in existence, it can carry multiple nuclear warheads and deploy countermeasures to evade missile defense systems, making it capable of striking targets anywhere in the world.

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The Avangard is a Russian hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) that can reach speeds exceeding Mach 20 (approximately 24,500 km/h or 15,220 mph) with a range of 6,000 km (3,728 miles). Mounted on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), it is capable of executing sharp maneuvers during flight, rendering it nearly impossible to intercept with current missile defense systems. The Avangard is designed to carry both nuclear and conventional payloads.

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The AGM-183AARRW (Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon) is a U.S. hypersonic air-launched missile capable of speeds exceeding Mach 20 (approximately 24,500 km/h or 15,220 mph) and has a range of 1,600 km (994 miles). It is engineered to offer the U.S. Air Force rapid strike capabilities against high-value targets, significantly reducing enemy response times and enhancing strategic deterrence.

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The Kinzhal is a Russian hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile capable of reaching speeds of Mach 10 (approximately 12,350 km/h or 7,673 mph) with a range of 2,000 km (1,243 miles). It can be launched from various aircraft platforms to strike both land and sea targets with high precision. Its impressive speed and flight profile allow it to penetrate most modern air defense systems.

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The Zircon is a Russian hypersonic cruise missile that travels at speeds between Mach 8 and Mach 9 (approximately 9,800 to 11,000 km/h or 6,090 to 6,835 mph) and has a range of 1,000 km (621 miles). Designed for targeting naval and ground assets, its extreme speed and high maneuverability make it exceptionally challenging to detect and intercept, posing a significant threat to enemy vessels.

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The BrahMos-II, a joint venture between India and Russia, is a hypersonic cruise missile currently under development. It is expected to achieve speeds between Mach 7 and Mach 8 (approximately 8,575 to 9,800 km/h or 5,330 to 6,090 mph) and has an estimated range of 600 km (373 miles). Designed for precision strikes against high-value targets, the BrahMos-II aims to be one of the world's fastest cruise missiles, significantly enhancing the offensive capabilities of both nations upon its completion.

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These missiles represent the cutting edge of military technology, combining extreme speed, long-range capabilities, and devastating firepower. They play critical roles in the strategic defense and deterrence doctrines of their respective countries, while also contributing to the complex dynamics of global security.

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