Criteria are proposed for the levels of technical sophistication of weapons. The level of technical sophistication is considered to be a characteristic of a weapon prototype which reflects full use of the world’s best technical achievements. The criterion (indicator) of technical sophistication is a quantitative measure based on the comparison of the values of efficiency (utility) or quality of the evaluated prototype (system, element) and those of a similar prototype that has characteristics with the world’s highest values. The main methodological provisions and criteria for assessing the level of technical sophistication of complex systems are outlined. These criteria are based on the interrelation of elements of different hierarchical levels. The proposed methodological apparatus is particularly useful for assessing the degree of competitiveness of existing weapon prototypes and those under development.