• Source:JND

10 Most Powerful Long-Range Missiles In The World: Long-range ballistic missiles are one of the most powerful weapons that nations use today to demonstrate their military might or defend themselves. These missiles are an effective component of a country's defence system because they can carry nuclear warheads and travel thousands of kilometres. Some of the most dangerous missiles with a range of up to 18,000 kilometres have been developed by nations like China, India, Russia and the United States.

After terror attack in Pahalgam in April 2025 an intense tension was escalated  between India and Pakistan to the point of near war. The both countries used their military, air defence and naval strength.  After continous 3 days of escalation, India and Pakistan agreed to ceasefire in mediator by many powerful countries. India has some of strategic weapons like the Agni-V, with series like Agni I, Agni II, Agni III and Agni IV which are intercontinental missile (long range ballistic missile) range from 3000 km to 8000 km. These formidable missiles serve as a warning to adversaries in addition to being a component of military preparation.

Now, After India-Pak tension Israel and Iran's escalation has increased. Both the nations are using their missiles power against each other. Israel already has issues with Palestine and Gaza since last year. As a result, Israel kept attacking these places with missiles and everything destroyed there. Thousands of children and people are died imas a result of  this kind of wars. 

From Russia’s deadly RS-28 Sarmat to India’s powerful Agni-V, several countries have developed long-range ballistic missiles to protect themselves and show military strength. These missiles can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads and are often kept on standby during high-alert situations. 

10 Most Powerful Long-Range Ballistic Missiles In The World In 2025

Here’s a look at the 10 most powerful long-range ballistic missiles in the world, which symbolise military power and strategic deterrence in today’s tense global environment.

 S.N Missiles Range Country
 1. RS-28 Sarmat (Satan II)  18,000 km  Russia
 2. R-36M (Satan)  16,000 km  Russia
 3. DF-41 – China  15,000 km  China
 4. Hwasong-17  15,000 km  North Korea
 5. Minuteman III  13,000 km  USA
 6. Trident II (D5)  12,000 km  USA/UK
 7. M51 (Submarine-Launched)  10,000 km  France
 8. JL-3  9000-12,000 km  China
 9. Agni-V  5500- 8000 km  India
 10. Jericho III  4800- 6500 km  Israel

Source: Arms control association and wikipedia

1. RS-28 Sarmat (Satan II) – Russia

The most powerful missile in the world is RS-28 Sarmat that belongs to Russia, also known as Satan II. It can reach any country in the world because of its 18,000 km range. It is designed to evade all current defence systems and is capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads.

2. R-36M (Satan) – Russia

With a 16,000-kilometre range, the R-36M is an older but incredibly potent Russian missile. It can carry big nuclear warheads and was created during the Cold War. Its destructive power is still well-known.

3. DF-41 – China

China's longest-range missile, the DF-41, can travel up to 15,000 kilometres. It can launch multiple nuclear warheads simultaneously and travel from Chinese territory to countries like the USA.

4. Minuteman III – USA

The Minuteman III, which has a 13,000-kilometre range, is America's primary land-based missile. It is renowned for being accurate, dependable, and quick, and has undergone numerous updates.

5. Hwasong-17 – North Korea

The largest and most deadly missile produced by North Korea is the Hwasong-17. It is thought to be able to transport nuclear weapons to the US mainland and has an estimated 15,000 km range.

6. Trident II (D5) – USA/UK

The United States and the United Kingdom use the Trident II missile, which is launched from a submarine. It is an essential component of their nuclear defence since it can carry multiple warheads with high accuracy and travel around 12,000 km.

7. M51 – France

France’s M51 missile is also launched from submarines. It can strike targets up to 10,000 km away and carries several nuclear warheads. It is an important part of France’s nuclear forces.

8. JL-3 – China

China's most advanced submarine-launched missile is the JL-3. With a 9,000–12,000 km range, China can hit distant targets while submerged.

9. Agni-V – India

With a range of 5,500–8,000 km, India's most potent long-range missile is the Agni-V. It is intended to fortify India's defences and, if necessary, penetrate far into enemy territory.

10. Jericho III – Israel

The range of Israel's Jericho III missile is 4,800–6,500 kilometres. It is thought to be equipped with nuclear warheads, which would enable Israel to use its ability to strike targets far away as a deterrent.