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Dongfeng DF-15 vs LGM-30 Minuteman III

Dongfeng DF-15 vs LGM-30 Minuteman III at a glance — range 900 vs 14,000 km, speed 7,409 vs 28,200 km/h, warhead 500 vs 1,150 kg, launch weight 6,200 vs 36,030 kg.

Specifications
Dongfeng DF-15 LGM-30 Minuteman III
Origin 🇨🇳 China 🇺🇸 United States
Category Ballistic Ballistic
Type Short-range ballistic missile Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)
Manufacturer Academy of Rocket Motors Technology Boeing
Service year 1990 1970
Number produced 355 units 550 units
Estimated unit price NA $7 million
Range 900.0 km 14,000.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 6.0 Mach 23.0
Weight 6,200 kg 36,030 kg
Warhead 500.0 kg 1150.0 kg
Length 9.10 m 18.30 m
Diameter 1000 mm 1680 mm
Guidance Inertial, GPS, terminal radar, active radar seeker Inertial
Warhead type Deep-penetration warhead Nuclear
Scale Comparison
DONGFENG DF-15 9.10 m LGM-30 MINUTEMAN III 18.30 m 1.75 m
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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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 900 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.