Dongfeng DF-15 vs R36M / RS-20

The Dongfeng DF-15 and the R36M / RS-20 are both Ballistic missiles. The R36M / RS-20 has a range of 16,000 km — 23:1 the Dongfeng DF-15's 700 km. The Dongfeng DF-15 reaches 7,409 km/h vs 28,000 km/h for the R36M / RS-20. The Dongfeng DF-15 carries a 500 kg warhead vs 8800 kg for the R36M / RS-20. Launch weight is 6,200 kg for the Dongfeng DF-15 vs 211,100 kg for the R36M / RS-20. The Dongfeng DF-15 uses Inertial, GPS, terminal radar, active radar seeker guidance, while the R36M / RS-20 relies on Inertial, autonomous. The Dongfeng DF-15 has been produced in 355 units vs 308 for the R36M / RS-20. The R36M / RS-20 entered service 2 years before the Dongfeng DF-15 (1988 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
Soviet ICBM, entering service in 1988, carries a warhead of 8800 kg.
Origin 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Ballistic
Type Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)
Manufacturer OKB-586
Service year 1988
Number produced 308 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 16,000.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 22.9
Weight 211,100 kg
Warhead 8800.0 kg
Length 32.77 m
Diameter 3000 mm
Guidance Inertial, autonomous
Warhead type 10 nuclear MIRV

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the Dongfeng DF-15 or R36M / RS-20?
The R36M / RS-20 has a longer range at 16,000 km compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's 700 km.
Which is faster, the Dongfeng DF-15 or R36M / RS-20?
The R36M / RS-20 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 22.9 compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's Mach 6.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the Dongfeng DF-15 or R36M / RS-20?
The R36M / RS-20 carries a larger warhead at 8,800 kg compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's 500 kg.
Which is heavier, the Dongfeng DF-15 or R36M / RS-20?
The R36M / RS-20 is heavier at 211,100 kg compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's 6,200 kg.
Which is longer, the Dongfeng DF-15 or R36M / RS-20?
The R36M / RS-20 is longer at 32.77 meters compared to the Dongfeng DF-15's 9.10 meters.
What guidance systems do the Dongfeng DF-15 and R36M / RS-20 use?
The Dongfeng DF-15 uses Inertial, GPS, terminal radar, active radar seeker guidance while the R36M / RS-20 uses Inertial, autonomous guidance.
Which entered service first, the Dongfeng DF-15 or R36M / RS-20?
The R36M / RS-20 entered service first in 1988, 2 years before the Dongfeng DF-15 which entered service in 1990.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Dongfeng DF-15 or R36M / RS-20?
The Dongfeng DF-15 has been produced in greater numbers with 355 units compared to 308 units of the R36M / RS-20.