Missile technology sits at the core of modern military balance. Range, speed, accuracy, penetration capability, and deterrence value together define a weapon’s strategic weight. In this article, we present a global missile ranking from No. 5 to No. 1, based on overall military impact and technological significance, using publicly available information.

5. 9K720 (Iskander)


Russia’s short-range ballistic missile 9K720, commonly known as Iskander, is renowned for its precision and mobility.

  • Assessment: Highly effective at the tactical level, with extensive operational use. It plays a strong role in regional deterrence and rapid strike missions.
  • Range: Approximately 500 km
  • Key features: Terminal evasive maneuvers and the use of decoys, making interception difficult

4. S-400


Strictly speaking, the S-400 is not an offensive missile but a long-range surface-to-air missile system designed for air and missile defense.

  • Assessment: A cornerstone of layered air defense, capable of denying air superiority. Its export and geopolitical influence significantly enhance its strategic value.
  • Engagement range: Up to 400 km
  • Targets: Aircraft, cruise missiles, and limited ballistic missile threats

3. P-800 (Oniks / Yakhont)


The P-800 is a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile designed to challenge modern naval defenses.

  • Assessment: Exceptionally difficult to intercept, it has the potential to shift the balance of naval power and is often described as a decisive “fleet killer.”
  • Speed: Above Mach 2
  • Key features: Sea-skimming flight profile and high-speed terminal attack

2. BGM-109 (Tomahawk)


The BGM-109 Tomahawk is the United States’ most iconic cruise missile, refined through decades of operational use.

  • Assessment: A symbol of modern precision warfare, enabling surgical strikes and often representing the opening move of contemporary conflicts.
  • Range: Over 1,000 km
  • Key features: Terrain-following flight, precision guidance, and flexible launch platforms

1. RS-28 (Sarmat)


Claiming the top position is Russia’s new intercontinental ballistic missile, RS-28 Sarmat.

  • Assessment: The embodiment of strategic nuclear deterrence, designed to overwhelm existing missile defense concepts and operate at the level of national survival.
  • Range: Global reach, effectively unlimited
  • Payload: Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) and hypersonic glide vehicles

Conclusion

From tactical responsiveness (9K720) and airspace denial through defense (S-400), to naval strike capability (P-800), combat-proven precision (BGM-109), and finally ultimate nuclear deterrence (RS-28), each missile on this list fulfills a distinct strategic role.
Rather than being a simple comparison of performance figures, this ranking reflects national security doctrines and the evolving nature of global military balance—offering a clearer, more three-dimensional understanding of today’s international security environment.