Dongfeng DF-15 vs M51

Overview

The Dongfeng DF-15 and the M51 are both Ballistic missiles.

The M51 has a range of 10,000 km — 14:1 the Dongfeng DF-15's 700 km. The Dongfeng DF-15 reaches 7,409 km/h vs 30,870 km/h for the M51. Launch weight is 6,200 kg for the Dongfeng DF-15 vs 52,000 kg for the M51. The Dongfeng DF-15 uses Inertial, GPS, terminal radar, active radar seeker guidance, while the M51 relies on Astro-inertial guidance.

The Dongfeng DF-15 entered service 20 years before the M51 (1990 vs 2010).

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

M51

French SLBM, entering service in 2010, utilizes astro-inertial guidance.
Origin 🇫🇷 France
Category Ballistic
Type Submarine-launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM)
Manufacturer Ariane Group
Service year 2010
Number produced -- units
Estimated unit price $120 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

M51

Range 10,000.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 25.2
Weight 52,000 kg
Warhead -- kg
Length 12.00 m
Diameter 2300 mm
Guidance Astro-inertial guidance
Warhead type Thermonuclear warheads

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the Dongfeng DF-15 or M51?
The M51 has a longer range at 10,000 km compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's 700 km.
Which is faster, the Dongfeng DF-15 or M51?
The M51 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 25.2 compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's Mach 6.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the Dongfeng DF-15 or M51?
The Dongfeng DF-15 carries a larger warhead at 500 kg compared to the M51's 0 kg.
Which is heavier, the Dongfeng DF-15 or M51?
The M51 is heavier at 52,000 kg compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's 6,200 kg.
Which is longer, the Dongfeng DF-15 or M51?
The M51 is longer at 12.00 meters compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's 9.10 meters.
What guidance systems do the Dongfeng DF-15 and M51 use?
The Dongfeng DF-15 uses Inertial, GPS, terminal radar, active radar seeker guidance while the M51 uses Astro-inertial guidance guidance.
Which entered service first, the Dongfeng DF-15 or M51?
The Dongfeng DF-15 entered service first in 1990, 20 years before the M51 which entered service in 2010.