Dongfeng DF-31 vs M51

The Dongfeng DF-31 and the M51 are both Ballistic missiles. Range is 11,200 km for the Dongfeng DF-31 vs 10,000 km for the M51. The Dongfeng DF-31 reaches 29,376 km/h vs 30,870 km/h for the M51. Launch weight is 54,000 kg for the Dongfeng DF-31 vs 52,000 kg for the M51. The Dongfeng DF-31 uses Astro-inertial guidance with BeiDou guidance, while the M51 relies on Astro-inertial guidance. The M51 entered service 7 years before the Dongfeng DF-31 (2010 vs 2017).

Chinese ICBM, entering service in 2017, uses astro-inertial guidance with BeiDou.
Origin 🇨🇳 China
Category Ballistic
Type Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
Manufacturer Academy of Rocket Motors Technology
Service year 2017
Number produced -- 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 11,200.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 24.0
Weight 54,000 kg
Warhead 1050.0 kg
Length 21.60 m
Diameter 2370 mm
Guidance Astro-inertial guidance with BeiDou
Warhead type Nuclear MIRV

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-31 or M51?
The Dongfeng DF-31 has a longer range at 11,200 km compared to the M51's 10,000 km.
Which is faster, the Dongfeng DF-31 or M51?
The M51 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 25.2 compared to the Dongfeng DF-31's Mach 24.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the Dongfeng DF-31 or M51?
The Dongfeng DF-31 carries a larger warhead at 1,050 kg compared to the M51's 0 kg.
Which is heavier, the Dongfeng DF-31 or M51?
The Dongfeng DF-31 is heavier at 54,000 kg compared to the M51's 52,000 kg.
Which is longer, the Dongfeng DF-31 or M51?
The Dongfeng DF-31 is longer at 21.60 meters compared to the M51's 12.00 meters.
What guidance systems do the Dongfeng DF-31 and M51 use?
The Dongfeng DF-31 uses Astro-inertial guidance with BeiDou guidance while the M51 uses Astro-inertial guidance guidance.
Which entered service first, the Dongfeng DF-31 or M51?
The M51 entered service first in 2010, 7 years before the Dongfeng DF-31 which entered service in 2017.