Dongfeng DF-15 vs LGM-30 Minuteman III
The Dongfeng DF-15 and the LGM-30 Minuteman III are both Ballistic missiles. The LGM-30 Minuteman III has a range of 14,000 km — 20:1 the Dongfeng DF-15's 700 km. The Dongfeng DF-15 reaches 7,409 km/h vs 28,200 km/h for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. The Dongfeng DF-15 carries a 500 kg warhead vs 1150 kg for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. Launch weight is 6,200 kg for the Dongfeng DF-15 vs 36,030 kg for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. The Dongfeng DF-15 uses Inertial, GPS, terminal radar, active radar seeker guidance, while the LGM-30 Minuteman III relies on Inertial. The Dongfeng DF-15 has been produced in 355 units vs 550 for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. The LGM-30 Minuteman III entered service 20 years before the Dongfeng DF-15 (1970 vs 1990).
| 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 |
| American ICBM, entered service in 1970, utilizes inertial guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Ballistic |
| Type | Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Service year | 1970 |
| Number produced | 550 units |
| Estimated unit price | $7 million |
| 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 | 14,000.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 23.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 36,030 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 1150.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 18.30 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 1680 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Inertial |
| Warhead type | Nuclear |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Dongfeng DF-15 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III has a longer range at 14,000 km compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's 700 km.
Which is faster, the Dongfeng DF-15 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 23.0 compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's Mach 6.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the Dongfeng DF-15 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III carries a larger warhead at 1,150 kg compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's 500 kg.
Which is heavier, the Dongfeng DF-15 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III is heavier at 36,030 kg compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's 6,200 kg.
Which is longer, the Dongfeng DF-15 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III is longer at 18.30 meters compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's 9.10 meters.
What guidance systems do the Dongfeng DF-15 and LGM-30 Minuteman III use?
The Dongfeng DF-15 uses Inertial, GPS, terminal radar, active radar seeker guidance while the LGM-30 Minuteman III uses Inertial guidance.
Which entered service first, the Dongfeng DF-15 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III entered service first in 1970, 20 years before the Dongfeng DF-15 which entered service in 1990.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Dongfeng DF-15 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III has been produced in greater numbers with 550 units compared to 355 units of the Dongfeng DF-15.