Russia’s Arsenal of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles and Other Advanced Weapons

Russia‘s military arsenal includes a formidable array of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and other advanced weapons, which have become a focal point in the escalating conflict with Ukraine. Key ICBMs in Russia’s arsenal include the RS-28 Sarmat, also known as Satan 2, which has a range of over 11,000 km and is capable of carrying multiple warheads.

The RS-24 Yars is another significant ICBM, which is road-mobile and equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs). The R-36M2 Voyevoda, known as SS-18 Satan, is one of the most powerful ICBMs, capable of carrying up to 10 warheads.

In addition to these ICBMs, Russia also operates submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) such as the R-29RMU Sineva and R-29RMU2 Layner, which are deployed on nuclear submarines. Other notable missiles include the UR-100N 15A30 (SS-19 Stiletto) and the RT-2PM Topol (SS-25 Sickle), both known for their long ranges and precision targeting.

Recent tensions have been heightened by Ukraine’s claim that Russia launched an ICBM at the city of Dnipro, although Western officials have disputed this, suggesting it might have been an intermediate-range ballistic missile instead. This incident follows Ukraine’s use of American-made ATACMS missiles to strike targets within Russia, a development that has significantly escalated the conflict.

Russia’s use of advanced missiles, including the Kinzhal hypersonic missile and cruise missiles, has been a recurring feature of the war. These weapons are central to Russia’s nuclear deterrence doctrine and have significant implications for global security, particularly in the context of NATO-Russia relations.