Hypersonic Weapons: Russia Confidently Holds Leadership
Over the past year, the global geopolitical situation has changed very seriously. China and Russia are directly identified by Washington as the main threats to the United States. The INF Treaty ceased to exist, paving the way for the deployment of US nuclear missiles in Europe and Asia. The next step is the elimination of START-3, which, as it appears, President Trump does not intend to renew.
The international security system is collapsing right before our eyes. The officially unannounced arms race between the three militarily leading countries — the United States, the Russian Federation, and the PRC — has begun de facto. Since the domestic military doctrine does not have a pronounced aggressive character, the Russian Defense Ministry pays most attention to deterrence tools. Good news is that “something” in stock, which is extremely unpleasant for a potential adversary, we have.
We are talking about the now fashionable hypersonic weapons. At one time, Russian defenders turned to this direction “from poverty”, and unexpectedly for many, they advanced ahead. This is not propaganda, this fact is confirmed by the head of the Pentagon, Mike Esper:
A few years ago we took a break with regard to these of technologies. Then we were clearly in the lead. Now we are in the role of catching up.
What does Russia have “in the gland” that will appear soon, and will we be able to maintain the leading position in hypersound?
"Zircon"
This is what is here and now. This hypersonic anti-ship missile is designed to replace the Granite. It is capable of hitting both land and sea targets, its flight range has been increased to 1 thousand or more kilometers. Speed exceeds 8 Machs. Zircons can be launched from the same media as Caliber and Onyx. Now plans to create a ground-based version of a hypersonic missile, as well as increasing its flight speed over 10 Machs. This will allow Zircon to more easily “open” the existing and prospective missile defense of a potential adversary.
"Dagger"
X-47M2 "Dagger" is "our everything" in the air. In fact, a rocket is a variation on the theme of the Iskander, which can be launched from an airplane. MiG-31BM fighters are now used as carriers. The upgraded aircraft is capable of receiving and sending one hypersonic missile into flight, each of which is a potential “killer of aircraft carriers”. In addition to the ships, up to the largest, the “Dagger” will hit, if necessary, and a stationary land object.
The Tu-22MZM long-range bomber will immediately receive four hypersonic missiles, with the prospect of equipping them with fifth-generation Su-57 fighters. Ammunition "Dagger" can also be nuclear. The flight speed of an aviation rocket of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation plans to increase even more, also over 10 Machs.
Avanhard
This is a hypersonic planning winged unit designed to overcome all existing and promising missile defense systems. This is achieved by maneuverability and incredible speed - over 20 Machs. Now this is definitely not a "cartoon". Just a couple of days ago, the first Avangard complex took up combat duty in the missile forces in the Orenburg region. Serial production of hypersonic blocks has begun.
"Sarmat"
Currently, the UR-100N, a fairly aged Soviet ICBM, is used as a carrier for the Avangard. In the near future they should be replaced by promising RS-28 Sarmat missiles. The new ICBM will be able to overcome missile defense along the most difficult trajectories, and its hypersonic maneuvering warheads will destroy all enemy targets by carrying out “orbital bombardment”. A nice bonus is that even the Sarmatians decommissioned from combat duty will be able to bring benefits by launching spacecraft into orbit. ICBMs should enter the troops as early as 2021.
The arsenal of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and its potential is very impressive. However, it’s too early to relax. The US and China are breathing in the back, working on their own hypersound.
The Pentagon expects to receive the Lockheed Martin AGM-2022A ARRW hypersonic missile by 183. Its exact performance characteristics are not yet known, but, according to some reports, the speed of an American airborne hypersonic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead will reach 20 Machs. US Air Force B-52H strategic bombers will be able to hit targets anywhere in the world.
Also in washington thought and the most advanced means of hypersonic missile defense. So, the American defense agency DARPA introduced the promising missile defense system Glide Breaker, which, according to the idea, should hit both the “Daggers” and the “Vanguards”.
Now a lot will depend on how the technological level and production capabilities of Russia will correspond to its main competitors in the person of the USA and China in order to stay ahead.
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