Dongfeng DF-31 vs 9K720 Iskander
The Dongfeng DF-31 and the 9K720 Iskander are both Ballistic missiles. The Dongfeng DF-31 has a range of 11,200 km — 22:1 the 9K720 Iskander's 500 km. The Dongfeng DF-31 reaches 29,376 km/h vs 7,285 km/h for the 9K720 Iskander. The Dongfeng DF-31 carries a 1050 kg warhead vs 710 kg for the 9K720 Iskander. Launch weight is 54,000 kg for the Dongfeng DF-31 vs 4,615 kg for the 9K720 Iskander. The Dongfeng DF-31 uses Astro-inertial guidance with BeiDou guidance, while the 9K720 Iskander relies on Inertial guidance, optical, GPS / GLONASS. The 9K720 Iskander entered service 11 years before the Dongfeng DF-31 (2006 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 |
| 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 |
| Range | 500.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 5.9 ◉ |
| Weight | 4,615 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 710.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 7.30 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 920 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Inertial guidance, optical, GPS / GLONASS |
| Warhead type | Thermonuclear weapon |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Dongfeng DF-31 or 9K720 Iskander?
The Dongfeng DF-31 has a longer range at 11,200 km compared to the 9K720 Iskander's 500 km.
Which is faster, the Dongfeng DF-31 or 9K720 Iskander?
The Dongfeng DF-31 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 24.0 compared to the 9K720 Iskander's Mach 5.9.
Which has a larger warhead, the Dongfeng DF-31 or 9K720 Iskander?
The Dongfeng DF-31 carries a larger warhead at 1,050 kg compared to the 9K720 Iskander's 710 kg.
Which is heavier, the Dongfeng DF-31 or 9K720 Iskander?
The Dongfeng DF-31 is heavier at 54,000 kg compared to the 9K720 Iskander's 4,615 kg.
Which is longer, the Dongfeng DF-31 or 9K720 Iskander?
The Dongfeng DF-31 is longer at 21.60 meters compared to the 9K720 Iskander's 7.30 meters.
What guidance systems do the Dongfeng DF-31 and 9K720 Iskander use?
The Dongfeng DF-31 uses Astro-inertial guidance with BeiDou guidance while the 9K720 Iskander uses Inertial guidance, optical, GPS / GLONASS guidance.
Which entered service first, the Dongfeng DF-31 or 9K720 Iskander?
The 9K720 Iskander entered service first in 2006, 11 years before the Dongfeng DF-31 which entered service in 2017.