DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE BALLISTIC MISSILE ANALYSIS COMMITTEE
2

KEY FINDINGS

Many countries view ballistic and cruise missile systems as 

cost-effective weapons and symbols of national power, 

especially when those systems are armed with weapons of 

mass destruction. However, numerous types of ballistic and 

cruise missiles have achieved dramatic improvements in 

accuracy that allow them to be used effectively with 

conventional warheads. Some weapon systems have 

characteristics of both ballistic and cruise missiles. For 

example, ballistic missile-launched hypersonic glide vehicles 

(HGVs) can maneuver in the atmosphere similar to cruise 

missiles, and future supersonic/hypersonic cruise missiles 

may be launched by large rocket boosters. Highly accurate 

ballistic and cruise missiles can be used to deter or counter 

adversary forces deploying to or operating within a defined 

space or theater. 

NORTH KOREA

North Korea has a strong desire to develop long-range ballistic missile systems that can threaten the United States and its allies. During 

a 2012 military parade, North Korea unveiled its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-13, and subsequently 

debuted the Hwasong-14 ICBM in an October 2015 parade. Flight testing of the Hwasong-10 (Musudan) intermediate-range ballistic 

missile (IRBM) began in April 2016 with a series of failures. North Korea followed those failures by launching multiple new missiles in 

2017. In April 2017, North Korea also commenced flight testing of a new liquid-propellant IRBM, the Hwasong-12. That same year, 

North Korea performed the inaugural flight tests of the Hwasong-14 and Hwasong-15 ICBMs. Upon its launch in 2017, the Hwasong-14

marked the first flight-tested ICBM-class missile for North Korea. North Korea also flight tested several new solid-propellant missiles—

including the Pukguksong-1 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SRBM), the Pukguksong-2 medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM), and 

short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM) - in 2016, 2017, and 2019, respectively.

IRAN

Tehran’s desire to have a strategic counter to the United States could drive it to field an ICBM. Progress in Iran’s space program could 

shorten a pathway to an ICBM, because space launch vehicles (SLV) use inherently similar technologies. Since 2008, Iran has conducted 

multiple launches of the two-stage Safir SLV, and the larger two-stage Simorgh SLV, which could serve as a test bed for developing ICBM 

technologies. Iran has developed the Qiam-1 SRBM and the fourth-generation Fateh-110 SRBM, and Tehran claims to be massproducing ballistic missiles capable of striking ships. Iran has modified its Shahab 3 MRBM to extend its range and effectiveness and also 

claims to have deployed the two-stage, solid-propellant Sejjil MRBM. In 2015, Iran publicized the launch of the Emad-1, which officials 

claim is Iran’s first long-range missile that is guided throughout flight and capable of hitting its targets with high-precision. Iranian 

officials have also announced plans for an Emad-2 with greater precision, as well as a new Sejjil that can be guided all the way to the 

target. In 2019, Iran publicized the launch of the Khorramshahr-2, which officials claim is Iran’s deadliest long-range missile, using the 

fins installed on the warhead to enable guidance throughout flight. Iran is also developing a ground-launched land-attack cruise missile 

(LACM).

CHINA

China continues to have the most active and diverse ballistic missile development program in the world. It is developing and testing 

offensive missiles, forming additional missile units, upgrading missile systems, and developing methods to counter ballistic missile 

Russia SS-27 ICBM TEL
3

defenses. China’s deployed ballistic missile force, operated by the People’s 

Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and PLA Rocket Force (formerly known as Second 

Artillery), is expanding in both number and diversity of system. China continues 

to field conventionally-armed SRBMs such as the CSS-6 (DF-15) and the CSS-7 

(DF-11) opposite Taiwan, and has developed a number of mobile, 

conventionally-armed MRBMs and IRBMs. Missiles such as the CSS-11 (DF-16), 

CSS-22 (DF-17), CSS-5 Mod 4 (DF-21C) and Mod 5 (DF-21D), and CSS-18 (DF-26) 

are key components of the Chinese military modernization program, 

specifically designed to prevent adversary military forces’ access to regional 

conflicts. The CSS-5 Mod 5 and a variant of the CSS-18 have anti-ship missions. 

China is also developing a shipborne anti–ship ballistic missile (ASBM) for 

export. China has ground and air-launched LACMs. 

China’s nuclear-armed missile force is also expanding with the number of 

Chinese ICBM nuclear warheads capable of reaching the United States 

potentially expanding to well over 200 within the next 5 years. China is adding 

the CSS-10 Mod 2 (DF-31A) and CSS-4 Mod 3 (DF-5B) to the ICBM force; the DF5B is China’s first ICBM with multiple independently-targetable reentry vehicles 

(MIRVs). The CSS-N-14 SLBM gives China its first long-range, sea-based nuclear 

capability. China is also developing the CSS-20 (DF-41), a new MIRV-capable, 

road-mobile ICBM and the DF-31AG road-mobile ICBM. China attributed both 

nuclear and conventional missions to the CSS-18 displayed for the first time 

during the Victory Day Parade in September 2015.

RUSSIA

Russia has approximately 1,400 deployed nuclear warheads on ICBMs and 

SLBMs capable of reaching the United States. Despite arms control limitations 

and resource constraints, development of new ICBM and SLBM systems is 

proceeding, and Russia is expected to retain the largest force of strategic 

ballistic missiles outside the United States. Testing of equipment associated 

with RS-26 Rubezh, which according to the Strategic Rocket Forces commander 

is based on the SS-27 ICBM, continued in 2018. The BULAVA SLBM was 

deployed on the new DOLGORUKIY-class SSBNs. Officials have stated that 

Russia is set to begin flight testing a new heavy, liquid-propellant ICBM called 

the Sarmat after multiple successful ejection tests of the missile during 2017 and 2018. In late 2019, Russia deployed the world’s first 

ICBM-class hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) system, the SS-19 Mod-4 

Avangard. Russia also has various LACMs that can be launched from 

airborne, road-mobile, and naval platforms. According to open press 

reports, Russia has used air- and naval-launched LACMs several times in 

Syria. 

Hypersonic Glide Vehicles 

(HGVs)

An emerging class of weapons that fly in 

the atmosphere following acceleration to 

hypersonic speeds by ballistic missile 

boosters.

China CJ-10 & YJ-63 LACMs

China CSS-20 (DF-41) ICBMs

China CSS-22 (DF-17) MRBM
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THE THREAT

KEY BALLISTIC MISSILE SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS

Guided cruise and ballistic missiles were first used when Germany attacked targets in England and Northern Europe with V-1 cruise 

missiles and V-2 ballistic missiles during World War II. Although these missiles were inaccurate, their use resulted in tens of thousands of 

Allied civilians being killed or injured, with substantial psychological effects.

Ballistic and cruise missiles present a significant threat to US and Allied forces overseas, and to the United States homeland and 

territories. Missiles are attractive to many nations as they can be used effectively against an adversary with a formidable air defense 

system when an attack with manned aircraft would be impractical or too costly. In addition, missiles can be used as a deterrent or an 

instrument of coercion. Missiles also have the advantage of fewer maintenance, training, and logistic requirements than manned aircraft. 

Even limited use of these weapons could have devastating consequences if armed with chemical, biological, or nuclear warheads.

The ballistic and cruise missile threat continues to increase with the advancement and proliferation of missile technology. Missiles will 

continue to be a threat in future conflicts involving US forces. Ballistic missiles have been used in several conflicts over the last 30 years, 

including the Iran-Iraq war, the Afghan civil war, the war in Yemen, the 1991 and 2003 Persian Gulf conflicts, the Russian military actions 

in Chechnya and Georgia, in the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine, and most recently Iran against US forces in Iraq on 8 January 2020. Russia 

used land-attack cruise missiles for the first time during the conflict in Syria.

The US Armed Forces are responsible for countering the ballistic and cruise missile threat through deterrence, and if necessary active 

suppression. Threat suppression may include attacks on missile systems, both before launch and during flight, and attacks on their 

supporting infrastructure. This document includes information on a variety of the major current and projected foreign ballistic and cruise 

missiles.

The table and timeline depict selected ballistic missiles to highlight first flight tests, discovery of notable systems, and significant 

development achievements for various countries. 
5

HISTORY OF NOTABLE BALLISTIC MISSILE SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT

# System Country Year Range (km)

1 V-2 SRBM Germany 1942 320

2 SS-1 SRBM Soviet Union 1948 270

3 SS-2 SRBM Soviet Union 1949 1,200

4 SS-3 MRBM Soviet Union 1955 1,200

5 SS-6 ICBM Soviet Union 1957 8,000+

6 SS-9 ICBM Soviet Union 1963 10,200+

7 CSS-1 MRBM China 1964 1,250

8 CSS-2 MRBM China 1966 2,500

9 SS-13 ICBM Soviet Union 1966 9,500

10 CSS-3 ICBM China 1970 5,500+

11 CSS-4 ICBM China 1971 12,000+

12 SS-18 ICBM Russia 1973 10,000+

13 SS-19 ICBM Russia 1973 9,000+

14 SS-20 IRBM Russia 1976 5,500

15 CSS-5 MRBM China Late 1970s 1,750+

16 JL-1 SLBM China 1981 1,700

17 SS-24 ICBM Russia 1982 10,100+

18 SS-25 ICBM Russia 1983 11,000+

19 SCUD-B SRBM North Korea 1984 300

20 No Dong MRBM North Korea 1993 1,200+

# System Country Year Range (km)

21 SS-27 ICBM Russia 1994 11,000+

22 SS-26 SRBM Russia 1996 350

23 Taepo Dong- MRBM North Korea 1998 2,000+

24 Shahab 3 MRBM Iran 1998 Up to 2,000

25 Agni-II MRBM India 1999 2,000+

26 CSS-10 ICBM China 1999 7,000+

27 Agni-I SRBM India 2002 700

28 Fateh-110 SRBM Iran 2002 300

29 CSS-5 Mod 5 MRBM China Mid-2000s 1,500+

30 Taepo Dong 2 ICBM/SLV North Korea 2006 12,000+

31 Sejjil MRBM Iran 2009 2,000

32 Emad-1 MRBM Iran 2015 Up to 2,000

33 Shaheen-3 MRBM Pakistan 2015 2,750

34 Ababeel IRBM Pakistan 2017 2,200

35 Pukguksong-2 MRBM North Korea 2017 1,000+

36 Hwasong-12 IRBM North Korea 2017 4,500+

37 Hwasong-14 ICBM North Korea 2017 10,000+

38 Hwasong-15 ICBM North Korea 2017 12,000+

39 SS-19 Mod-4 ICBM/HGV Russia 2019 10,000+
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WARHEADS AND TARGETS

Ballistic and cruise missiles can be armed with conventional or 

nonconventional warheads. Conventional warheads rely on the 

detonation of an explosive and are designed for various effects. 

Nonconventional warheads include weapons of mass destruction 

(nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons) and non-lethal warheads that 

are designed to disable equipment rather than harm personnel. 

Conventional, biological, and chemical weapons are packaged in unitary 

(single) warheads or submunitions (multiple small bomblets that are 

released at altitude to disperse over an area). 

Conventional warheads are optimized for specific types of targets. For 

example, submunitions may be used to create craters in an airfield 

runway or a carrier flight deck, optimize the dispersal of anti-personnel 

munitions, or deploy non-lethal substances. Various penetrator warheads 

can be employed to damage hardened or underground facilities and 

equipment. A kinetic penetrator, which uses a relatively small amount of 

explosive surrounded by a heavy metal casing, can pass through a 

hardened structure, such as a bunker, to destroy its contents. A tandem 

penetrator can utilize an explosively formed projectile to create a pilot 

hole that a follow-through grenade can pass. These penetrators are likely 

effective against metallic structures such as hangars and carrier decks.

Many ballistic missiles and several types of LACMs carry nuclear warheads. Most of these warheads have an explosive force that far 

exceeds the destructive power of the atomic bombs used in World War II. 

Chemical and biological weapons are attractive to some countries because they are much easier to produce than nuclear weapons. 

Accuracy is not very important for these weapons when used against urban areas or large concentrations of military forces. Chemical 

and biological weapons can be packaged in submunitions to be dispersed over a wide area, although effective dispersion from a 

ballistic missile can be challenging. They are capable of producing massive casualties, inducing panic and chaos in civilian populations, 

and severely degrading military operations. 

Russia SS-N-32 Bulava SLBM

North Korea Hwasong-12 IRBM Russia BEAR H with Kh-101 LACMs
7

North Korea Hwasong-15 ICBM

Russia SS-21 CRBM North Korea Hwasong-10 (Musudan) IRBM

Iran Zolfaghar SRBM
8

BALLISTIC MISSILES

Ballistic missiles can be deployed in silos and other fixed facilities, on submarines, surface ships, road- and rail-mobile launchers and on 

aircraft. Mobile missiles can provide greater pre-launch survivability. The last decade has seen a dramatic increase in ballistic missile 

capabilities and combat effectiveness. 

Some shorter range missiles remain intact until the warhead detonates, whereas, others have a warhead in a reentry vehicle (RV) that 

separates from the booster. Most long-range ballistic missiles also feature separating payloads, with some long-range ballistic missiles 

carrying up to 10 RVs per missile. RVs reenter the Earth’s atmosphere at very high velocities, on the order of 6-8 kilometers per second 

(Mach 23+) at ICBM ranges. Some types of reentry vehicles have the capability to maneuver to avoid defenses and/or increase accuracy. 

Hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) are being developed as a new type of payload launched by ballistic missiles. HGVs are maneuverable 

vehicles that travel at hypersonic (greater than Mach 5) speed and spend most of their flight at much lower altitudes than a typical 

ballistic missile. The combination of high speed, maneuverability, and relatively low altitude makes them challenging targets for missile 

defense systems. Russia deployed the worlds first HGV in 2019, and China publicly revealed a missile carrying an HGV, also in 2019.

Ballistic missiles can use solid- or liquid-propellant rocket propulsion systems. The trend in modern missile systems has been toward the 

use of solid propellants because of their reduced logistical requirements and simplicity of operation. However, some nations have greater 

access to liquid-propellant technology and continue to develop new liquid-propellant missiles. In addition, liquid-propellant missiles can 

be more efficient than solid-propellant missiles for very heavy payloads. The missiles with the world’s heaviest payloads, the Russian SS18 and Chinese CSS-4, are liquid-propellant ICBMs, and Russia is developing a new heavy-lift, liquid-propellant ICBM called the Sarmat. 
9

Multi-stage missiles, with each stage having its own independent propulsion system, are more efficient for longer range missions. ICBMs 

typically have two or three stages, with powerful liquid-propellant engines or solid-propellant motors to propel the payload toward its 

target, and a post-boost vehicle (PBV) with a much smaller propulsion system. A PBV can be used to improve the RV deployment 

accuracy for a single-RV missile. For a missile with a MIRV payload, the PBV is used to release RVs so that they follow different 

trajectories, allowing them to hit separate targets. Certain ICBMs with MIRV payloads can hit targets separated by over 1,500 kilometers 

with a single missile.

Many ballistic missiles carry penetration aids to improve the chances of an RV defeating a ballistic missile defense system. Penetration 

aids are devices intended to deceive, obscure, or jam sensors used to detect and track missiles and RVs. They are of increasing 

importance to countries developing and operating ballistic missiles. Other techniques that complicate missile defense operations 

include separating payloads, multiple RVs, depressed trajectories, and boost-phase, midcourse, or terminal maneuvers.

An ICBM with a high-quality inertial guidance system is capable of delivering an RV within a few hundred meters of the target after a 

flight of 10,000 kilometers. For many missiles, accuracy can be greatly improved by utilizing satellite-aided navigation. Missiles also can 

use maneuvering RVs with terminal sensors to attain very high accuracy. The use of improved guidance techniques and a maneuver 

capability can allow conventionally-armed ballistic missiles to be used effectively against many fixed targets, as well as moving targets 

such as ships at sea. 

As increasingly modern guidance technology is proliferated, countries will be able to improve the accuracy and lethality of their missile 

forces. However, even a missile with a guidance system only accurate enough to hit a large city is capable of inflicting massive casualties 

when armed with a weapon of mass destruction. 
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LAUNCH TRENDS

Over the last decade, there has been a significant increase in worldwide ballistic missile testing. The emphasis on ballistic missile development around the world is noted by Chinese scholars who stated in 2010 that, “ballistic missiles have become an important factor that 

influences the world political setup, controls the battlefield posture, and even decides the outcome of war” and “it is appropriate to say 

that ballistic missiles have become an important sign of national defense strength and symbol of national status.”

The graphic below depicts the approximate number of ballistic missiles launched per year from 2005 to 2018. In the graphic, ballistic missiles are categorized by range, regardless of launch platform; missiles with a range of 1,000 km or greater are classified as long-range ballistic missiles (LRBM) and missiles with a range from 300 km – 1,000 km are classified as short-range ballistic missiles 

(SRBM). This graphic does not include close-range ballistic missiles (CRBM), which are missiles with a range less than 300 km, or ballistic 

missiles launched in combat.
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Iran Qiam-1 SRBM

Russia SS-25 ICBM

North Korea Hwasong-14 ICBM 

Russia SS-18 Mod 5 ICBM
12

IN-FLIGHT MANEUVERABILITY, ACCURACY, & DEFENSE PENETRATION

Traditionally, a ballistic missile is understood to be a projectile that assumes a free-fall trajectory after a boost phase using internal 

guidance. Some newer “ballistic” missiles are stretching this definition as they move beyond purely ballistic trajectories, and are 

including maneuvers during flight and various means to increase accuracy. Some missiles today have characteristics of both ballistic and 

cruise missiles. Modern ballistic missiles can include maneuvers during boost, midcourse, and/or terminal phases of flight. Some ballistic 

missiles payloads remain in the atmosphere for large portions of their flight with control provided by aerodynamic surfaces. In-flight 

maneuvers, combined with guidance updates, can allow ballistic missiles to be precision strike weapons.

Nearly all of our adversaries are concerned with US missile defenses and have devised various methods to complicate missile defense 

operations. Traditional countermeasures include penetration aids such as balloons, chaff, decoys, and jammers, whereas in-flight 

maneuverability or multiple RVs serve as more modern forms of missile defense countermeasures. 
13

Russia SS-18 Mod 5 ICBM Launch Canister

Pakistan Shaheen-2 MRBM

Russia SS-27 Mod 2 ICBM

Iran Emad-1 MRBM
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CLOSE-RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILES (CRBM)

States including Russia, China, North Korea, Pakistan, India, and 

Iran are likely pursuing increased accuracy, range, and lethality for 

their close-range ballistic missile systems. China is likely marketing 

and/or producing multiple CRBMs with a maximum range of just 

under 300 km and marketing the B611MR and WS-640 CRBMs, 

which are equipped with an anti-radiation homing seeker. CRBM 

variants currently in research and development (R&D) or in 

production worldwide are included in the chart on page 15.

China and Russia are producing and marketing CRBMs with various 

warheads. These warheads likely include dual-purpose improved 

conventional munition (DPICM), thermobaric, and high explosive 

Iran CSS-8 CRBM

China BP-12A CRBM

India Prithvi II CRBM
15

warheads. The improved accuracy of CRBMs, as compared to 

unguided artillery rockets, increases the probability that the 

warhead blast-wave or the warhead's fragments will reach the 

intended target and neutralize it.

Iran and North Korea are likely progressing towards producing the 

Fadjr-5 Aero CRBM and KN-SS-9, respectively. If the Iranians and 

North Koreans use satellite navigation systems (such as GPS) 

onboard their CRBMs, then the miss distance of these CRBMs 

could be reduced to tens of meters. Increased CRBM accuracy 

would be a force multiplier for both the Iranian and North Korean 

artillery forces by giving them precision strike capability against 

high priority targets.

Russia SS-21 Mod 3 CRBM
16

Russia SS-21 Mod 2

Pakistan Hatf-9

China BRE7

China M20
17

COUNTRY/SYSTEMS MAX RANGE (km)

BRAZIL

SS-150 150

CHINA

WS-22 40

BRE7/Fire Dragon 40 40

GR1/King Dragon 60 70

BRC-3 (300-mm PHL-03/AR2/AR1/AR1A/AR3) 70

A100-111 80

A100-311 120

WS-64 280

BRC-4 (300-mm PHL-03/AR2/AR1/AR1A/AR3) 130

BRE-2(300-mm PHL-03/AR2/AR1/AR1A/AR3) 150

BRE-3/Fire Dragon 140 (300-mm PHL-03/AR2/AR1/

AR1A/AR3)

150

BP-12A 280

B611 150

M20 280

WS-2 (HE, TBX, DPICM) 200

WS-3

200

A300 280

B611M 260

BRE-8/Fire Dragon 280 (370-mm AR3) 280

INDIA

Pinaka-II Guided 65

Prithvi I 150

Prahar 150

Prithvi II 250

IRAN

Fadjr-5 Aero >75

CSS-8

150

Zelzal 250

SYRIA

SS-21 Mod 2 70

COUNTRY/SYSTEMS MAX RANGE (km)

ISRAEL

Romach (“Magic Spear”) 35

STRIKES 40

ACCULAR 40

MLRS-TCS 45

JUMPER 50

ExTRA (HE, Cluster, Penetration, MIMS) 150

Predator Hawk 250

LORA 300

NORTH KOREA

Toksa 120

KN-SS-9 200

PAKISTAN

Hatf-1 50

NASR (Hatf-9) 60

Abdali (Hatf-2) 200

RUSSIA

122-mm Guided 40

SS-21 Mod 2 70

9M55 (F, K, K1, K3, K4, K5, K6, K7, S) 70

9M5 (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37) 90

SS-21 Mod 3 120

9M542 120

SERBIA

Guided 128-mm 21

Jerina-1 285

SOUTH KOREA

130 MM CRBM 36

Chunmoo I 239-mm CRBM 80

Chunmoo-II 400-mm CRBM 180

Chunmoo III 600-mm CRBM 290

THAILAND

DTI-1G 150

TURKEY

TRG-122 CRBM 35

“Tiger” 300-mm CRBM 120

TRG-230 CRBM 70

Bora 280

CLOSE-RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILES

Note: All ranges are approximate.
18

Russia SS-26 SRBM

India Agni I SRBM

China CSS 7-Mod 2 SRBM

SHORT-RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILES (SRBM)

Several countries are now producing and/or developing SRBM systems, while many 

other countries have purchased SRBMs or SRBM technologies. 

The Russian SS-1C Mod 1, also called the SCUD B, has been exported to more 

countries than any other type of guided ballistic missile, and has proven to be a 

versatile and adaptable weapon. For example, the Iraqi SCUD missiles used during 

the 1991 Persian Gulf War were modified to double their range. North Korea has 

produced its own version of the SCUD B and developed extended range variants 

including the SCUD C, the SCUD D, and the SCUD ER. 

New SRBM systems are in development in several countries. China has deployed a 

very large force of modern solid-propellant SRBMs in the vicinity of Taiwan. In 

August 2010, Iranian officials hailed the successful test firing of the liquidpropellant Qiam-1 SRBM. Around the same time, the Iranian Minister of Defense 

told reporters that the third generation of the Fateh-110 missile had been 

successfully test fired, and that the system was officially delivered to the missile 

force in September 2010. North Korea began testing three new solid-propellant 

SRBMs in 2019, each with multiple missiles per launcher.

In 2012, Iran claimed to have also successfully flight tested a fourth-generation 

Fateh-110. Iran has also flight tested an anti-ship capable variant of its Fateh-110 

missile. A seeker has likely been added to the missile to improve the system’s 

accuracy against sea-based targets. Iran is also fielding newer longer-range solidpropellant SRBMs including the Zolfaghar and Fateh-313. 

Recent conflicts have highlighted missile defense capabilities, motivating ballistic 

missile developers to pursue missile defense countermeasures. Some SRBM 
19

developers have already begun to develop countermeasures such as maneuverable RVs (MaRVs), and are expected to continue 

countermeasure development. Iran also added a MaRV to the Qiam missile, likely to improve the systems overall accuracy. 

On 7 January 2020, Iran launched at least 15 SRBMs at U.S. forces in Iraq in retaliation for the death of Qasem Soleimani. Those missiles 

included the Fateh-313 and the Qiam with a MaRV and demonstrated the accuracy of these two systems as they impacted near buildings 

and equipment on Al Asad Air Base. 

Iran Qiam-1 SRBM Jet Vane System China CSS-6 Mod 3 SRBM
20

Multi-Country SCUD-C SRBM

Russia SS-26 Iskander SRBM Pakistan Ghaznavi SRBM

China CSS-11 Variants
21

COUNTRY/SYSTEMS PROPELLANT DEPLOYMENT MODE MAXIMUM RANGE (km) NUMBER OF LAUNCHERS*

CHINA

CSS-6 Mod 1 Solid Road-Mobile 600

More than 200

CSS-6 Mod 2 Solid Road-Mobile 850+

CSS-6 Mod 3 Solid Road-Mobile 725+

CSS-7 Mod 1 Solid Road-Mobile 300

CSS-7 Mod 2 Solid Road-Mobile 600

CSS-11 Mod 1 Solid Road-Mobile 700+

CSS-11 Mod 2 Solid Road-Mobile 700+

INDIA

Agni I Solid Road-Mobile 700 Fewer than 75

IRAN

Fateh-110 Solid Road-Mobile 300

Fewer than 100

Fateh-313 Solid Road-Mobile 500

Shahab 1 Liquid Road-Mobile 300

Shahab 2 Liquid Road-Mobile 500

Qiam-1 Liquid Road-Mobile & Silo 750

Zolfaghar Solid Road-Mobile 700

NORTH KOREA

SCUD B Liquid Road-Mobile 300

Fewer than 100

SCUD C Liquid Road-Mobile 500

PAKISTAN

Ghaznavi Solid Road-Mobile 300

Fewer than 50

Shaheen I Solid Road-Mobile 750

RUSSIA

SCUD B (SS-1c Mod 1) Liquid Road-Mobile 300

Fewer than 200

SS-26 (Iskander-M/E) Solid Road-Mobile 350

SYRIA

Fateh-110 Solid Road-Mobile 300

Fewer than 100

SCUD D Liquid Road-Mobile 700

SHORT-RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILES

Note: All ranges are approximate

*The missile inventory may be larger than the number of launchers; launchers can be reused to fire additional missiles.
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MEDIUM-(MRBM) & INTERMEDIATE-RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILES (IRBM)

Iran Emad MRBM Pakistan Shaheen-2 MRBM

New MRBM and/or IRBM systems have been flight tested or are in development in China, Iran, India, 

North Korea, Pakistan, and Russia, and many will be armed with nonconventional warheads. All of 

these countries except Iran have tested nuclear weapons. 

Since 1987, Russia has been restricted from deploying ground-based ballistic missiles with a 

maximum range between 500 km and 5,500 km by the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) 

Treaty. In response to the announced US withdrawal from the INF Treaty in 2019, Russian officials 

indicated they plan to redirect funds to create land-based systems with ranges over 500 km. Russian 

Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu suggested creating land-based versions of sea- and air-launched 

missiles to shorten the development timeline, potentially referring to the sea-launched Tsirkon or the 

air-launched Kinzhal ALBM.

China continues to deploy nuclear-armed MRBMs to maintain regional nuclear deterrence, and its 

long-term, comprehensive military modernization is improving the capability of its conventionallyarmed ballistic missile force to conduct high-intensity regional military operations, including “antiaccess and area denial” (A2/AD) operations. Currently, China deploys the CSS-5 Mod 2 for regional 

nuclear deterrence. China has the conventionally-armed CSS-5 Mod 4 and Mod 5 MRBMs to conduct 

precision strikes. The CSS-5 Mod 4 (DF-21C) is intended to hold at risk or strike logistics and 

communication nodes, regional military bases and airfields, or ports. China has also deployed the CSS

-5 Mod 5 (DF-21D), an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) with a range exceeding 1,500 km and a 

maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) that gives the PLA the capability to attack aircraft carriers in 

the western Pacific Ocean. According to a Chinese CCTV report, the DF-21D brigades are capable of 

quickly reloading in the field and launching multiple salvo strikes within a few hours. During the PLA’s 

90th Anniversary Parade in July 2017, China displayed a new MRBM designated the DF-16G, which 

China claims features high accuracy, short preparation time, and an improved maneuverable 

terminal stage that can better infiltrate missile defense systems. As part of its National Day Parade in 

October 2019 celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Peoples’ Republic of China, China displayed its 

DF-17 medium-range hypersonic missile.

Official Chinese media commentary described the DF-26 IRBM as “one carrier, many warheads.” 

Chinese media has stated the DF-26 can carry a conventional or nuclear payload and that it can 

launch conventional medium and long-range precision strikes against important targets on land and 

large ships at sea. It also requires little support equipment and has fast reaction times, according to 

descriptions in official Chinese media outlets.
23

North Korea has diversified its ballistic missile force to include longer-range solid- and liquid-propellant systems. North Korea first tested 

the Pukguksong-2—the land variant of the Pukguksong-1 SLBM tested in April 2016—from a tracked launcher. This marked an 

important milestone in North Korea’s solid-propellant program for road-mobile systems. The Hwasong-10 (Musudan) experienced 

several in-flight failures in 2016, and in April 2017, North Korea debuted the Hwasong-12 IRBM with its inaugural launch. The Hwasong12 IRBM flew twice more in April of 2017 and an additional three times by the end of 2017, to include two overflights of Japan (in 

August and September), for a total of six test flights. North Korea claims that the Hwasong-12 is meant to serve as a medium-long range 

strategic ballistic missile with a range of 3,000 – 4,000 km capable of reaching Guam.

Iran has an extensive missile development program. Iran has modified the Shahab 3 MRBM, which is derived from the North Korean No 

Dong, to extend its range and effectiveness, with the longest range variant reportedly being able to reach targets at a distance of about 

2,000 km. Iran claims to have mass produced Shahab 3 missiles and has conducted multiple launches of the Sejjil, a solid-propellant 

MRBM with a claimed range of 2,000 km. In 2015, Iran publicized the launch of the Emad-1 missile, which officials claim is Iran’s first 

long-range missile that is guided throughout flight and capable of hitting targets with high-precision. Iran also announced plans for an 

Emad-2 with greater precision than the Emad-1. In 2019, Iran publicized the launch of the Khorramshahr-2, which officials claim is Iran’s 

deadliest long-range missile and is guided throughout flight using the fins installed on the warhead.
24

India continues to develop and improve its ballistic missiles. All of India’s long-range missiles use solid propellants. The Agni II MRBM 

and Agni III IRBM are deployed. The Agni IV IRBM has been successfully flight tested seven times since a failure in 2010, but Indian 

officials still say further testing is required before deployment. The Agni V has been flight tested seven times, with the last five tests 

being launched from a sealed canister aboard a road-mobile launcher. More flight testing is required before deployment.

Pakistan continues to improve the readiness and capabilities of its Army Strategic Force Command and individual strategic missile 

groups through training exercises that include live missile firings. Pakistan has tested its solid-propellant Shaheen-2 MRBM seven times 

since 2004. In 2015, Pakistan began testing a longer range Shaheen-3 MRBM and, in January 2017, began testing the MIRV version of 

the Ababeel MRBM.

Iran Shahab 3 MRBM

NK Pukguksong-2 MRBM

China CSS-22 (DF-17) MRBM

NK Hwasong-10 IRBM
25

COUNTRY/SYSTEMS NUMBER OF 

STAGES

PROPELLANT DEPLOYMENT 

MODE

MAXIMUM RANGE 

(km)

NUMBER OF LAUNCHERS*

CHINA

CSS-5 Mod 2 MRBM 2 Solid Road-Mobile 1,750+

Approximately 

350

CSS-5 Mod 4 MRBM 2 Solid Road-Mobile 1,500+

CSS-5 Mod 5 MRBM 2 Solid Road-Mobile 1,500+

CSS-18 (DF-26) IRBM 2 Solid Road-Mobile 3,000+

CSS-22 (DF-17) MRBM 1 Solid Road-Mobile UNK

INDIA

Agni II MRBM 2 Solid Rail-Mobile 2,000+ Fewer than 10

Agni III IRBM 2 Solid Rail-Mobile 3,200+ Fewer than 10

Agni IV IRBM 2 Solid Road-Mobile 3,500+ Not Yet Deployed

Agni V IRBM 3 Solid Road-Mobile 5,000+ Not Yet Deployed

IRAN

Shahab 3 MRBM 1 Liquid Road-Mobile Up to 2,000 Undetermined

Emad-1 MRBM 1 Liquid Road-Mobile Up to 2,000 Undetermined

Khorramshahr 1 Liquid Road-Mobile 2,000 Undetermined

Khorramshahr-2 1 Liquid Road-Mobile 2,000 Undetermined

Sejjil (Ashura) MRBM 2 Solid Road-Mobile 2,000 Undetermined

NORTH KOREA

Pukguksong-2 MRBM 2 Solid Road-Mobile 1,000+ Undetermined

ER SCUD MRBM 1 Liquid Road-Mobile 1,000 Undetermined

No Dong Mod 1/2 MRBM 1 Liquid Road-Mobile 1,200+ Fewer than 100

Hwasong-12 IRBM 1 Liquid Road-Mobile 4,500+ Undetermined

Hwasong-10 (Musudan) IRBM 1 Liquid Road-Mobile 3,000+ Fewer than 50

PAKISTAN

Ghuari MRBM 1 Liquid Road-Mobile 1,250 Fewer than 50

Shaheen 2 MRBM 2 Solid Road-Mobile 2,000 Fewer than 50

Shaheen 3 MRBM 2 Solid Road-Mobile 2,750 Not Yet Deployed

Ababeel MRBM 3 Solid Unknown 2,200 Not Yet Deployed

SAUDI ARABIA

CSS-2 MRBM (Chinese-produced) 1 Liquid Transportable 3,000 Fewer than 50

MEDIUM AND INTERMEDIATE-RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILES

Note: All ranges are approximate

*The missile inventory may be larger than the number of launchers; launchers can be reused to fire additional missiles.
26

INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILES (ICBM)

Russia SS-25 ICBM

Both China and Russia currently deploy multiple types of ICBMs and are modernizing their ICBM forces. 

North Korea demonstrated its first ICBM-class systems in 2017, with the inaugural launch of the Hwasong14 and then the Hwasong-15, later that same year. India is developing an ICBM, and Iran may also 

develop an ICBM.

On 5 February 2018, the limits prescribed by the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty were to be reached 

by both Russia and the United States. This treaty limits the United States and Russia each to no more than 

1,550 warheads and 700 deployed launchers (including warheads on ICBMs and SLBMs, and counting each 

heavy bomber as one warhead). Russia retains over 1,000 nuclear warheads on ICBMs. Most of these 

missiles are maintained on alert, capable of being launched within minutes of receiving a launch order. 

Although the number of missiles in the Russian ICBM force will continue to decrease because of arms 

control agreements, aging missiles, and resource constraints, Russia probably will retain the largest ICBM 

force outside the United States. Efforts to maintain and modernize the force are underway. 

The Russian SS-27 Mod 1 ICBM, a missile designed with countermeasures to ballistic missile defense 

systems, is now deployed in the silos of six regiments and on road-mobile launchers. A road-mobile MIRV 

version of the SS-27, the SS-27 Mod 2 (RS-24, YaRS), was first deployed in 2010, and continues to replace 

the aging SS-25. At least twelve mobile-missile regiments have already deployed, according to Russian 

press reports. Furthermore, Russia began deploying a silo-based version of the SS-27 Mod 2 in 2014 to 

replace the SS-19 Mod 3. In addition to the SS-27 ICBM, according to the commander of the Strategic 

Rocket Forces, Russia is developing a lighter and shorter-range road-mobile missile based on the SS-27 

Mod 2, known as the RS-26 Rubezh (US designator SS-28). While the Russian press indicated the missile 

was initially tested to ICBM range, senior government officials have described the system as a “missile 

defense killer” capable of hitting targets anywhere in Europe. Although the Russian press reported that 

work on the RS-26 Rubezh was paused or cancelled, testing of Rubezh associated equipment continued in 

2018.

In 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled the development of two new ICBM systems, including 

an ICBM-class hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) and a new, heavy-lift, liquid-propellant ICBM capable of 

flying trajectories over the south pole to approach the continental US from the south. The HGV system, 

named Avangard, is designed to penetrate the US missile defense system and strike at critical targets with 

a nuclear warhead. Russian officials claim Russia began to deploy the HGV mounted on SS-19 boosters at 

Dombarovskiy Missile Division in late 2019 and ultimately plans to deploy twelve Avangard systems at 

Dombarovskiy by 2027. The new liquid-propellant ICBM named Sarmat will replace the aging SS-18 Mod 5 

(Voyevoda). Russia’s goal is to begin deployment of the Sarmat in 2021, initially at the Uzhur missile 

division. 

China is strengthening its strategic nuclear deterrent force 

with the development and deployment of new ICBMs. China 

retains a relatively small number of nuclear-armed, liquidpropellant CSS-3 (DF-4) limited range ICBMs and CSS-4 (DF-5) 

ICBMs capable of reaching the United States.

China first displayed the CSS-4 Mod 3 (DF-5B) ICBM with a 

claimed MIRV payload in 2015. It is also modernizing its 

nuclear forces by adding more survivable, road-mobile 

China CSS-20 (DF-41) ICBM
27

delivery systems. The road-mobile, solid-propellant CSS-10 Mod 2 has been deployed to units within the PLA Rocket Force and will allow 

for targeting of most of the continental United States. China is developing the CSS-20 (DF-41), a new MIRV capable, road-mobile ICBM, 

and the DF-31AG road-mobile ICBM. The number of warheads on Chinese ICBMs capable of threatening the United States is expected to 

grow to well over 100 in the next 5 years.

On 4 July 2017, North Korea performed the inaugural flight test of the Hwasong-14 ICBM, making it North Korea’s first flight-tested ICBMclass system. The Hwasong-14 ICBM was flight tested again on 28 July 2017. Both of these launches flew on a highly lofted trajectory (high 

apogee but short range). For instance, the Hwasong-14 flight test on 28 July 2017 flew to an 

apogee of roughly 3,700 km, but a range of only around 1000 km into the Sea of Japan. Despite 

being flight tested at lofted trajectories for testing purposes, the system is capable of ICBM 

ranges of 10,000+ km. On 28 November 2017, North Korea introduced another ICBM-class 

system, the Hwasong-15. Like the Hwasong-14, the Hwasong-15 is a road-mobile two-stage 

liquid-propellant system. According to North Korea, the Hwasong-15 ICBM reached an altitude 

of roughly 4,475 km and a distance of roughly 950 km. Although it demonstrated a lofted 

trajectory like the Hwasong-14, the Hwasong-15’s range could reach the continental US.

Tehran’s desire to have a strategic counter to the United States could drive it to field an ICBM. 

Additional progress in Iran’s space program could shorten a pathway to an ICBM, because space 

launch vehicles use inherently similar technologies. Since 2008, Iran has conducted multiple launches of the two-stage Safir SLV and the 

larger Simorgh SLV. 

India’s Agni VI ICBM is reportedly in the design phase with a range of 6,000 km.

North Korea Hwasong-14 ICBM
28

North Korea Hwasong-13 ICBM

China CSS-10 ICBM Launch Canister on MEL

North Korea Modified Hwasong-14 ICBM 

Russia SS-27 ICBM TEL

North Korea Hwasong-15 ICBM Russia Sarmat ICBM Russia SS-27 ICBM
29

COUNTRY/SYSTEMS NUMBER 

OF STAGES

WARHEADS 

PER MISSILE

PROPELLANT DEPLOYMENT 

MODE

MAXIMUM 

RANGE (km)

NUMBER OF 

LAUNCHERS*

CHINA

CSS-3 ICBM 2 1 Liquid Transportable 5,500+ 10 to 15

CSS-4 Mod 2 ICBM 2 1 Liquid Silo 12,000+

About 20 

CSS-4 Mod 3 ICBM 2 + PBV Multiple Liquid Silo 12,000+

CSS-10 Mod 1 ICBM 3 1 Solid Road-Mobile 7,000+ 5 to 10

CSS-10 Mod 2 ICBM 3 1 Solid Road-Mobile 11,000+ 15+

DF-31AG ICBM 3 UNK Solid Road-Mobile UNK 16+

CSS-20 ICBM 3 + PBV Multiple Solid Road-Mobile UNK 16+

NORTH KOREA

Taepo Dong 2 ICBM 3 1 Liquid Fixed Undetermined**

Hwasong-13 ICBM 3 1 Liquid Road-Mobile 12,000 Undetermined

Hwasong-14 ICBM 2 Unknown Liquid Road-Mobile 10,000+ Undetermined

Hwasong-15 ICBM 2 Unknown Liquid Road-Mobile 12,000+ Undetermined

RUSSIA

SS-18 Mod 5 ICBM 2 + PBV 10 Liquid Silo 10,000+ About 50

SS-19 Mod 3 ICBM 2 + PBV 6 Liquid Silo 9,000+ About 50

SS-19 Mod 4 ICBM/HGV 2 1 Liquid Silo 10,000+ Less than 10

SS-25 ICBM 3 + PBV 1 Solid Road-Mobile 11,000+ About 50

SS-27 Mod 1 ICBM 3 + PBV 1 Solid Silo & Road-Mobile 11,000+ About 80

SS-27 Mod 2 ICBM 3 + PBV Multiple Solid Silo & Road-Mobile 11,000+ More than 100

SS-28 ICBM*** At least 2 Multiple Solid Road-Mobile 5,500+ In Development

SARMAT 2 + PBV Multiple Liquid Silo 10,000+ In Development

Note: All ranges are approximate.

*The missile inventory may be larger than the number of launchers; launchers can be reused to fire additional missiles.

** We have observed launches of the TD-2 space launch vehicle from both east (2006 and 2009) and west (2012) coast facilities.

*** The Russian press indicated the missile was initially tested to ICBM range. Russian officials quoted in the press have claimed the missile is 

“lighter, and consequently has a shorter range” than the SS-27 Mod 2 ICBM on which it is based.

INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILES
30

Russia maintains a substantial force of nuclear-powered ballistic 

missile submarines (SSBNs) with intercontinental-range missiles. 

Upgraded SS-N-23s are intended to replace older SS-N-23s on 

DELTA IV Class SSBNs. The SS-N-32/BULAVA is a new solid propellant SLBM deployed on the new DOLGORUKIY class SSBNs. 

Russian SLBMs are capable of launch from surfaced and submerged SSBNs from a variety of launch locations.

China has deployed the CSS-N-14/JL-2 SLBM on the 12-tube JIN 

Class SSBNs. This missile allows Chinese SSBNs to target portions of the United States from operating areas in the Pacific 

Ocean. In late November 2018, China tested a new JL-3 SLBM in 

the Bohai Sea. According to media sources, the JL-3 has a greater range than the JL-2. 

North Korea is developing an SLBM capability, and has flight 

tested two SLBM variants, possibly designated as the Pukguksong-1 and Pukguksong-3, in 2016 and 2019. According to North 

Korean press statements, the Pukguksong-1 will be coldlaunched, solid-fueled, and will carry a nuclear warhead. 

India has developed and commissioned a new ballistic missilecapable submarine, the INS ARIHANT. The INS ARIHANT can 

carry either 12 SRBM range K-15s or four IRBM range K-4 

SLBMs, the later of which is still under development. The 

Dhanush, a liquid-fueled, ship-launched ballistic missile 

(ShLBM), is a naval variant of India’s Prithvi II CRBM.

SUBMARINE-LAUNCHED (SLBM) & SHIP-LAUNCHED BALLISTIC MISSILES 

(ShLBM)

China CSS-N-14 SLBM Russia SS-N-18 SLBM
31

India K-15 SLBM Russia Bulava Launch Canister
32

India Dhanush ShLBM Russia SS-N-18 Payload Section

North Korea Pukguksong-1 Launch
33

COUNTRY/SYSTEMS NUMBER OF 

STAGES

WARHEADS 

PER MISSILE

PROPELLANT DEPLOYMENT 

MODE

MAXIMUM 

RANGE (km)

NUMBER OF 

LAUNCHERS

CHINA

CSS-N-14 (JL-2) SLBM 3 1 Solid JIN Sub 7,000+ 48

JL-3 3 Multiple Solid Type 096 Sub 10,000+ N/A

INDIA

K-15 SLBM 2 1 Solid ARIHANT Sub 700 12

K-4 SLBM 2 1 Solid ARIHANT Sub 3,500 4; Not Yet Deployed

Dhanush ShLBM 1 1 Liquid

Sukyana-class 

Patrol Boat

400 2

NORTH KOREA

Pukguksong-1 SLBM 2 1 Solid SINPO Sub 1,000+ UNK; Not Yet Deployed

Pukguksong-3 SLBM 2 UNK Solid Sub 1,000+ UNK; Not Yet Deployed

RUSSIA

SS-N-18 SLBM 2 + PBV 3 Liquid DELTA III Sub 5,500+ 16

SS-N-23 Sineva SLBM 3 + PBV 4 Liquid DELTA IV Sub 8,000+ 96

SS-N-32 Bulava SLBM 3 + PBV 6 Solid

DOLGORUKIY 

(BOREY) Sub

8,000+ 48

Note: All ranges are approximate

SUBMARINE & SHIP-LAUNCHED BALLISTIC MISSILES

North Korea Pukguksong-1 SLBM
34

Russia R-500 LACM

LAND-ATTACK CRUISE MISSILES (LACM)

Cruise missiles are typically categorized by their intended mission: either as a 

land attack cruise missile (LACM) or as an anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM). Cruise 

missiles can further be categorized by launch platform: aircraft, ship, submarine, 

or ground launcher.

A LACM is an armed unmanned aerial vehicle designed to attack a fixed or 

relocatable target. It spends the majority of its mission in level flight, as it follows 

a preprogrammed path to the predetermined target. LACMs typically use a small 

gas-turbine engine for propulsion. 

LACM guidance usually occurs in three phases: launch, midcourse, and terminal. 

During the launch phase, a missile is guided using only the inertial navigation 

system (INS). During the midcourse phase, the missile’s INS is updated by one or 

more of the following systems: a satellite navigation system (such as the US 

Global Positioning System (GPS) or the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System 

(GLONASS)); a terrain contour matching (TERCOM) system; or a radar or optical 

scene matching system. The terminal guidance phase begins when a missile 

enters the target area and uses either a more accurate scene matching system or 

a terminal seeker (usually an optical or radar-based sensor). Some advanced 

LACMs may have highly accurate guidance systems that can place the missile 

within a few feet of the intended target. 

Russia Kh-101 LACM

Russia KH-55SM LACM Iran Soumar LACM

China CJ-10 LACM
35

LACMs can be challenging targets for air defense systems. Cruise missiles can fly at low altitudes to stay below a radar’s line of sight. 

Depending on a country’s ability to do mission planning, the missile can use terrain features such as mountains or valleys to hide from 

radars. Furthermore, LACMs may fly circuitous routes to the target, avoiding radar and air defense installations. A salvo of missiles can 

be launched to approach a target simultaneously from different directions, potentially overwhelming air defenses. Some missiles have 

incorporated stealth features to make them less visible to radars and infrared detectors. Some developmental systems may incorporate 

chaff or decoys as an added layer of protection, though concealment will remain a cruise missile’s main defense. The cruise missile 

threat to US forces is increasing in terms of the number of countries possessing LACMs, the total number of LACMs, and the number of 

LACMs possessing advanced capabilities. 

The CJ-10 is the first Chinese long-range cruise missile. It made its public debut during a military parade in 2009 and is currently 

deployed with the PLA Rocket Force. China has also developed a similar missile called CJ-20 that is carried on PLA Air Force bombers. 

China has also shown three hypersonic test vehicles that could help develop the technology to be able to field a hypersonic cruise 

missile in the future.

In February 2019, Iran discussed the Hoveizeh LACM at an arms show. As described by Iran, the Hoveizeh is a follow-on to the Soumar 

LACM that Iran displayed in 2015. Iran stated the Hoveizeh has a range of 1300 km. The Soumar and Hoveizeh are both groundlaunched LACMs that appear to be based on the Russian air-launched AS-15. In 2012, Iran announced development of a similar missile 

called “Meshkat.” The Soumar/Hoveizeh could be a new name for the Meshkat or a variant of the Meshkat. Iran could develop 

alternate launch modes, such as air– or ship-launched options, for the Meshkat/Soumar. 

Russia has two operational ground-launched cruise missiles, the 9M728 and the 9M729. In July 2014, the United States declared the 

9M729, an intermediate-range ground-launched cruise missile, a violation of the INF Treaty. 
36

COUNTRY/SYSTEMS LAUNCH MODE WARHEAD TYPE MAXIMUM RANGE (km) IOC

CHINA

YJ-63 Air Conventional Undetermined Operational

CJ-10 Ground Conventional Undetermined Operational

CJ-20 Air Conventional Undetermined Operational

IRAN

Meshkat/Soumar/Hoveizeh Air, Ground, & Ship Conventional Undetermined Operational

RUSSIA

AS-4 Air Conventional or Nuclear 300+ Operational

AS-15 Air Nuclear 2,800+ Operational

SS-N-21 Submarine Nuclear 2,400 Operational

Kh-555 Air Conventional Undetermined Operational

R-500/9M728 Ground Conventional, Nuclear Possible <500 Operational

9M729 Ground Conventional or Nuclear >500 but <5,500 Operational

Kh-101 Air Conventional Undetermined Operational

Kh-102 Air Nuclear Undetermined Operational

3M-14 Ship & Sub Conventional, Nuclear Possible 2,500 Operational

3M-55 Ground, Ship, & Sub Nuclear Possible 400+ Operational

Burevestnik—Nuclear-powered Cruise Missile Ground Nuclear Undetermined Developmental

Note: All ranges are approximate and represent the range of the missile only. The effective system range may be greatly increased by the range of the 

launch platform. 

China YJ-63 LACM

Beginning in fall 2015, Russia fired LACMs from surface ships, submarines, and aircraft in support of ongoing military operations in Syria.

The Club-K cruise missile “container launcher” weapon system, produced and marketed by a Russian firm, looks like a standard shipping 

container. The company claims the system can launch cruise missiles from cargo ships, trains, or commercial trucks. 

Russian President Putin first announced the nuclear-powered cruise missile program during his 1 March 2018 address to the Federal 

Assembly. The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the weapon would be called Burevestnik. A nuclear-powered cruise missile would 

give Russia a unique weapon with intercontinental range capability.
37

Russian President Putin announced a new hypersonic missile 

called “Kinzhal” in his 1 March 2018 address to the Federal 

Assembly. Launched from a MiG-31, President Putin claimed 

the Kinzhal would fly at hypersonic speed, maneuver during 

the missile’s trajectory, and be able to overcome all existing 

and prospective missile defense systems. President Putin also 

claimed the missile had completed development and began 

“trial service” on 1 December 2017. Russian press reports have 

also claimed that the Tu-22M3 bomber will carry the Kinzhal 

after they complete integration on that aircraft.

China is also developing two air-launched ballistic missiles, one 

of which may have a nuclear warhead. 

AIR-LAUNCHED BALLISTIC MISSILES (ALBM)

Russia Kinzhal ALBM
38

SUMMARY

Overall, the threats posed by ballistic missile delivery systems are likely to continue to increase and grow more complex. Adversary ballistic 

missile systems are becoming more mobile, survivable, reliable, and accurate while also achieving longer ranges. Hypersonic glide vehicles 

(HGVs) delivered by ballistic missile boosters are an emerging threat that will pose new challenges to missile defense systems. Prelaunch 

survivability is likely to increase as potential adversaries strengthen their denial and deception measures and increasingly base missiles on 

mobile platforms. Increasing technical and operational countermeasures continue to challenge defensive systems in ballistic missiles.

Russia is likely to retain the largest force of strategic ballistic missiles outside the United States. The development of new ballistic missile 

systems is a high priority for Russia. In 2019, Russia deployed the world’s first ICBM-class HGV, designed to allow its strategic missiles to 

penetrate missile defense systems. Russia claims it will deploy the SS-28 (RS-26 Rubezh) for shorter-range targets, and has stated it will 

soon begin flight testing a new heavy liquid-propellant ICBM called the Sarmat to replace the aging SS-18. Russia is also offering the advanced Iskander-E SRBM for export.

Iran Khorramshahr MRBM

Iran Fateh-110 SRBM North Korea Pukguksong-1 SLBM China CSS-22 (DF-17) MRBM
39

China is producing technologically-advanced ballistic missiles, has sold ballistic missile technology to other countries, has deployed a 

large force of ballistic missiles in the vicinity of Taiwan, and is expanding the reach of its ballistic missiles to attempt to deter foreign 

powers from becoming involved in any future regional conflict. China can already target the United States with a relatively small force 

of ICBMs, and its ICBM force is growing quantitatively and qualitatively.

North Korea has flight tested two road-mobile ICBMs and two different IRBMs; tested new solid-propellant SRBMs, an SLBM and an 

MRBM; and maintains a large SRBM inventory. 

Iran has ambitious ballistic missile and space launch development programs, and continues to attempt to increase the lethality of its 

ballistic missile force. In retaliation for the death of Qasem Soleimani, Iran launched at least 15 highly accurate SRBMs at U.S. bases in 

Iraq on 7 January 2020. Iranian ballistic missile forces continue to train extensively in highly-publicized exercises. These exercises enable 

Iranian ballistic missile forces to hone wartime operational skills and evolve new tactics. Iran is fielding increased numbers of theater 

ballistic missiles, improving its existing inventory, and is developing technical capabilities to produce an ICBM through its ballistic missile 

and SLV programs.

The cruise missile threat to US forces is increasing. The majority of LACMs will still be subsonic, but supersonic and hypersonic missile 

will be deployed in the future. LACMs will also have increased survivability by minimizing radar signature and/or the use of countermeasures. 
NASIC Public Affairs Office

4180 Watson Way

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-5625

(937) 522-6600

NASIC

July 2020

Materials copyrighted by others may be included. No claim of copyright is made for any included works of the US Government. 

This report was prepared by the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) in collaboration with the Defense Intelligence 

Ballistic Missile Analysis Committee (DIBMAC).

DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE BALLISTIC MISSILE ANALYSIS COMMITTEE