Russia readies new 500-mile missile as weapon expert warns of 'terminal end game surprises'
Russia is expanding its missile capabilities by preparing a new 500-mile missile and planning tests for ballistic missiles with ranges up to 800 km. Simultaneously, Russia is increasing the range of its Iskander missiles. The Oreshnik system, which carries six warheads, has already struck Ukraine three times, with a member of the State Duma defense committee indicating a fourth strike is imminent. Intelligence reports also highlight the RM-48U missile for the S-400 system, which utilizes a 199-kg warhead.
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- ✓ Russia has used the Oreshnik missile with six warheads against Ukraine on three occasions.
- ✓ The RM-48U missile for the S-400 system carries a 199-kg warhead.
What changed
Russia is now planning ballistic missile tests with ranges up to 800 km and preparing a new 500-mile missile.
Live updates
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Russia develops long-range missiles and prepares further Oreshnik strikes
Russia is expanding its missile capabilities by preparing a new 500-mile missile and planning tests for ballistic missiles with ranges up to 800 km. Simultaneously, Russia is increasing the range of its Iskander missiles. The Oreshnik system, which carries six warheads, has already struck Ukraine three times, with a member of the State Duma defense committee indicating a fourth strike is imminent. Intelligence reports also highlight the RM-48U missile for the S-400 system, which utilizes a 199-kg warhead.
Why it matters
These developments signal a shift toward longer-range strike capabilities and the deployment of advanced ballistic systems. The use of the Oreshnik and modified Iskander missiles pressures Ukrainian air defenses. The integration of high-payload warheads like the RM-48U increases the destructive potential of Russian surface-to-air systems used in offensive roles.
What is confirmed
- Russia has used the Oreshnik missile with six warheads against Ukraine on three occasions.
- The RM-48U missile for the S-400 system carries a 199-kg warhead.
Still unconfirmed
- A new missile threat contains surprises for Ukrainian air defense.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the fourth Oreshnik missile strike
- Results of the 800 km ballistic missile tests
- Official specifications of the 500-mile missile
confidence 60%Sources used for this update (7)
- Fox News — Russia readies new 500-mile missile as weapon expert warns of 'terminal end game surprises'
- Оборонка — The Main Directorate of Intelligence has revealed the 'inner workings' of the ballistic missile system that t
- Українська правда — Russia plans to test new ballistic missiles with a range of up to 800 km
- Technology Org — Russia is Increasing the Range of its Iskander Missiles
- Euromaidan Press — Russia has fired its Oreshnik with six warheads at Ukraine three times. State Duma defense committee member says "hour is not far" before fourth one
- Мілітарний — RM-48U for the S-400 Carries a 199-kg Warhead — DIU Reveals Features of Russian Missile
- Inbox.lv — Russia is preparing a missile with a 'surprise' for Ukraine's air defense: expert on new threat
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