Dongfeng DF-15 vs Hwasong-12

Overview

The Dongfeng DF-15 and the Hwasong-12 are both Ballistic missiles.

The Hwasong-12 has a range of 4,500 km — 6.4x the Dongfeng DF-15's 700 km. The Dongfeng DF-15 reaches 7,409 km/h vs 20,800 km/h for the Hwasong-12. The Dongfeng DF-15 carries a 500 kg warhead vs 650 kg for the Hwasong-12. Launch weight is 6,200 kg for the Dongfeng DF-15 vs 24,700 kg for the Hwasong-12. The Dongfeng DF-15 uses Inertial, GPS, terminal radar, active radar seeker guidance, while the Hwasong-12 relies on Inertial.

The Dongfeng DF-15 has been produced in 355 units vs 26 for the Hwasong-12. The Dongfeng DF-15 entered service 27 years before the Hwasong-12 (1990 vs 2017).

Chinese short-range ballistic missile, entered service in 1990, guided by inertial and GPS systems.
Origin 🇨🇳 China
Category Ballistic
Type Short-range ballistic missile
Manufacturer Academy of Rocket Motors Technology
Service year 1990
Number produced 355 units
Estimated unit price NA
North Korean ballistic missile, entered service in 2017, with a maximum range of 6,000 km.
Origin 🇰🇵 North Korea
Category Ballistic
Type Intermediate-range ballistic missile
Manufacturer North Korea
Service year 2017
Number produced 26 units
Estimated unit price NA
Range 700.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 6.0
Weight 6,200 kg
Warhead 500.0 kg
Length 9.10 m
Diameter 1000 mm
Guidance Inertial, GPS, terminal radar, active radar seeker
Warhead type Deep-penetration warhead
Range 4,500.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 17.0
Weight 24,700 kg
Warhead 650.0 kg
Length 16.50 m
Diameter 1500 mm
Guidance Inertial
Warhead type Conventional; possibly nuclear-capable

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the Dongfeng DF-15 or Hwasong-12?
The Hwasong-12 has a longer range at 4,500 km compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's 700 km.
Which is faster, the Dongfeng DF-15 or Hwasong-12?
The Hwasong-12 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 17.0 compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's Mach 6.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the Dongfeng DF-15 or Hwasong-12?
The Hwasong-12 carries a larger warhead at 650 kg compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's 500 kg.
Which is heavier, the Dongfeng DF-15 or Hwasong-12?
The Hwasong-12 is heavier at 24,700 kg compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's 6,200 kg.
Which is longer, the Dongfeng DF-15 or Hwasong-12?
The Hwasong-12 is longer at 16.50 meters compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's 9.10 meters.
What guidance systems do the Dongfeng DF-15 and Hwasong-12 use?
The Dongfeng DF-15 uses Inertial, GPS, terminal radar, active radar seeker guidance while the Hwasong-12 uses Inertial guidance.
Which entered service first, the Dongfeng DF-15 or Hwasong-12?
The Dongfeng DF-15 entered service first in 1990, 27 years before the Hwasong-12 which entered service in 2017.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Dongfeng DF-15 or Hwasong-12?
The Dongfeng DF-15 has been produced in greater numbers with 355 units compared to 26 units of the Hwasong-12.