5 Russian Icbms You Need To Know

Russia's nuclear arsenal is a significant component of its national defense strategy, and its intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) play a crucial role in this regard. These missiles are designed to deliver nuclear warheads across vast distances, providing Russia with a formidable deterrent against potential threats. Here, we'll explore five Russian ICBMs that are notable for their capabilities, range, and historical significance.

Russia's ICBM Program: A Brief Overview

Russia's ICBM program has its roots in the Soviet era, with the first successful launch of an ICBM, the R-7, in 1957. Since then, Russia has continued to develop and upgrade its ICBM arsenal, with a focus on improving range, accuracy, and survivability. Today, Russia's ICBM force is an integral part of its nuclear triad, which also includes submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and strategic bombers.

1. R-36M2 Voevoda (SS-18 Satan)

The R-36M2 Voevoda, also known as the SS-18 Satan, is a heavy ICBM that has been in service since the 1970s. With a range of over 16,000 km (10,000 miles), it is one of the longest-range ICBMs in the world. The R-36M2 is equipped with multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), each carrying a nuclear warhead. This capability allows the missile to engage multiple targets with a single launch.

Key Characteristics:

• Range: over 16,000 km (10,000 miles)
• Payload: up to 8 MIRVs
• Length: 34.3 meters (112.5 feet)
• Diameter: 3.0 meters (9.8 feet)

2. UR-100N (SS-19 Stiletto)

The UR-100N, also known as the SS-19 Stiletto, is a silo-based ICBM that has been in service since the 1970s. With a range of over 10,000 km (6,200 miles), it is a highly accurate missile that can deliver a single nuclear warhead. The UR-100N is known for its high reliability and low maintenance requirements.

Key Characteristics:

• Range: over 10,000 km (6,200 miles)
• Payload: 1 warhead
• Length: 27.1 meters (89 feet)
• Diameter: 2.5 meters (8.2 feet)

3. RT-2PM Topol (SS-25 Sickle)

The RT-2PM Topol, also known as the SS-25 Sickle, is a mobile ICBM that has been in service since the 1980s. With a range of over 10,000 km (6,200 miles), it is a highly survivable missile that can deliver a single nuclear warhead. The RT-2PM is known for its high mobility and low vulnerability to countermeasures.

Key Characteristics:

• Range: over 10,000 km (6,200 miles)
• Payload: 1 warhead
• Length: 20.5 meters (67.3 feet)
• Diameter: 1.9 meters (6.2 feet)

4. RS-28 Sarmat (SS-X-30 Satan 2)

The RS-28 Sarmat, also known as the SS-X-30 Satan 2, is a heavy ICBM that is currently under development. With a range of over 18,000 km (11,200 miles), it is expected to be one of the longest-range ICBMs in the world. The RS-28 is designed to deliver multiple nuclear warheads, including hypersonic glide vehicles.

Key Characteristics:

• Range: over 18,000 km (11,200 miles)
• Payload: up to 10 warheads
• Length: 35.5 meters (116.5 feet)
• Diameter: 3.0 meters (9.8 feet)

5. RS-26 Rubezh (SS-X-31)

The RS-26 Rubezh, also known as the SS-X-31, is a mobile ICBM that is currently under development. With a range of over 12,000 km (7,500 miles), it is designed to deliver a single nuclear warhead. The RS-26 is expected to have a high level of survivability and low vulnerability to countermeasures.

Key Characteristics:

• Range: over 12,000 km (7,500 miles)
• Payload: 1 warhead
• Length: 23.3 meters (76.4 feet)
• Diameter: 2.0 meters (6.6 feet)

Russian ICBM Image Gallery

As you've seen, Russia's ICBM program is a complex and highly advanced aspect of its national defense strategy. These missiles play a crucial role in maintaining the country's nuclear deterrent and ensuring its security in a rapidly changing world. Whether you're a military strategist or simply interested in global security issues, understanding Russia's ICBM program is essential for making informed decisions and staying up-to-date on the latest developments.