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MOSCOW, January 26 – RIA Novosti. Deputy Minister of Russian Defense, Alexey Krivoruchko, outlined the key priorities for military-technical support in 2024 during a report delivered on Friday. The completion of placing the Sarmat strategic missile system on combat duty in the Strategic Missile Forces, along with the entry of Tu-160M strategic missile carriers and the S-500 anti-aircraft missile system into the Aerospace Forces, stands as a primary focus. Additionally, attention is directed towards the Navy, encompassing the nuclear submarine cruiser “Prince Pozharsky,” submarines, and surface ships.
Krivoruchko emphasized the importance of meeting delivery schedules for popular weaponry, boosting production volumes, and supplying missiles and ammunition, including hypersonic missile systems. Other priorities include increasing the production of UAVs, advancing electronic warfare equipment, artillery systems, reconnaissance, and counter-battery systems.
Among the highlighted objectives for the current year are a thorough examination of enemy weapons and equipment, continual refinement of tactical and technical characteristics based on operational experiences, and expeditious progress in developing cutting-edge military equipment utilizing “artificial intelligence” technology and new physical principles.
Krivoruchko expressed confidence that these tasks will be accomplished, anticipating an escalation in the pace of delivering essential equipment to the troops in the future.
Sarmat ICBM Completion:
- Russia has successfully concluded the development of the Sarmat, its latest super-heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
- President Vladimir Putin has confirmed the accomplishment, stating that the next step is to commence mass production and integrate the missiles into active service.
- Strategic Significance:
- Pro-Kremlin analysts express high praise for the Sarmat, foreseeing a transformative impact on the global strategic deterrence landscape.
- The Sarmat, designed as an underground silo-based missile, boasts the capability to carry over ten nuclear warheads.
- Necessity for a New ICBM:
- Russia’s development of the Sarmat addresses the longstanding need for a replacement for the Voevoda ICBM (NATO reporting name: Satan).
- The Voevoda, in service since the 1970s, has been a staple for both the Soviet military and Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces but required an upgrade.
- Historical Context of Voevoda ICBM:
- The Voevoda ICBM, a significant achievement for the Soviet Union during its time, set records for size and power.
- However, a drawback was its manufacturing in Ukraine, prompting the development of a domestically produced successor.
- Technical Capabilities of Sarmat:
- According to experts, the RS-28 Sarmat is capable of delivering a MIRVed warhead weighing up to 10 tonnes to any location worldwide.
- The missile’s operational range covers trajectories over both the North and South Poles, enhancing its strategic flexibility.
Tu-160 Supersonic Strategic Bomber:
- The Tu-160, known as Blackjack in NATO reporting, is a variable-sweep wing supersonic strategic missile.
- It represents one of the largest and most advanced projects in Russia’s aviation industry.
- New-Production Tu-160M:
- In 2022, Russia’s Tupolev Public Joint Stock Company successfully flew the first new-production Tu-160M strategic missile carrier.
- This aircraft is a significant enhancement to the Tu-160 fleet.
- Size and Power:
- The Tu-160 stands out as the largest and most powerful military supersonic aircraft with a variable-sweep wing.
- It holds a prominent position in Russia’s aviation capabilities.
- Upgrades to Tu-160Ms:
- The upgraded Tu-160Ms feature new onboard radio-electronic equipment, NK-32-02 engines, and other advanced systems.
- These enhancements contribute to the overall modernization of the Tu-160 fleet.
- Key Component of Russia’s Nuclear Triad:
- The new Tu-160M aircraft are expected to play a crucial role as a key component of Russia’s nuclear triad.
- Their capabilities contribute to Russia’s strategic military capabilities.
S-500 Purpose and Range:
- Russia pursues the S-500 as a countermeasure against hypersonic weapons, offering an extended reach into enemy territory.
- The system is anticipated to effectively neutralize threats within a range of 600 kilometers (373 miles), as stated by the Center for International and Strategic Studies.
- Successful Engagement Demonstrated:
- In 2021, footage showcased the S-500 successfully engaging a high-speed ballistic missile, demonstrating its operational capabilities.
- The initial deployment of S-500 systems occurred around Moscow, emphasizing its strategic placement.
- Distinct Design and Evolution:
- The S-500 is not a mere upgrade of the S-400 but represents a different design, drawing from evolved versions of the S-300V air defense and anti-ballistic missile system.
- It surpasses the S-400 in various aspects, showcasing advancements in air defense technology.
- Ballistic Missile Interception:
- Specifically designed for intercepting ballistic missiles, the S-500 system boasts a planned range of 500-600 km and the ability to engage targets at altitudes reaching 40 km.
- Hypersonic Target Capabilities:
- Sources suggest that the S-500 can track 5-20 hypersonic targets, including ICBMs, and simultaneously intercept 5-10 of them.
- Its exceptional capability extends to defeating hypersonic missiles traveling at staggering speeds of Mach 14 to Mach 20 (5-7 kilometers per second).
- Satellite Destruction Capability:
- Reports indicate that the S-500 air defense system is equipped to destroy low orbital satellites, adding another layer to its multifaceted capabilities.