On June 29, Russian media outlet TASS reported, “The D-30 missile system including R-30 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile, has been accepted for service by the Russian Navy following successful tests,” according to “a source in the Russian military-industrial complex.” This decision follows the salvo launch of four Bulava SLBMs in May 2018. The Bulava (NATO: SS-N-32)...
On June 22, “in the Barents Sea…the missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov…fired the main Bazalt missile system on the target position, simulating a detachment of ships of the conventional enemy,” according to the Press Service of the Northern Fleet. In the exercise, “[t]he cruise missile ‘Vulkan’ launched from the ship overcame more than one hundred and...
On June 16, the Russian Ministry of Defense released a video showing a recent test launch of the short-range 9K720 Iskander-M ballistic missile. The video shows the missile successfully leaving the launcher but does not follow its entire trajectory. The Iskander is a road-mobile, solid-fueled tactical missile system designed to be used in theater level conflicts....
On May 30, India and Russia finalized a price agreement for Indian procurement of the S-400 Triumf (NATO: SA-21 Growler). No public announcement of the price agreement has been made, but an Indian official suggested it could be disclosed at the Russia-India summit in October 2018. The price agreement comes despite the United States’ Countering...
A video published online on May 25 shows a Russian SU-57 fighter launching a Kh-59MK2 air-launched cruise missile (ALCM). The missile is reportedly equipped with INS, and reports suggest that Russia may have also used Kh-59MK2 missile in its air campaign in Syria, although this remains unconfirmed. Related Links: Russian Defence Ministry Board Session Takes Place in...
On May 25, Russia successfully tested the S-500 Prometheus surface-to-air missile (SAM) system in the longest test flight to date, striking a target almost 480 km away. According to CNBC, “Russia claims that the ground-based missile system is capable of intercepting hypersonic missiles, drones and aircraft as well as stealth warplanes like the F-22 and...
On May 22, Russian Borei-class submarine Yuri Dolgoruky (K-535) tested four Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles (NATO: SS-NX-30 or SS-N-32) in a submerged launch in the White Sea. The nuclear-capable missiles have a range of approximately 8,000 km and hit targets in Kamchatka. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, “The test confirmed combat readiness of...
Several decades ago, former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone once described his country as a “big aircraft carrier” from which to defend against Soviet aircraft. Although such an analogy fails to capture the richness and depth of the U.S-Japan alliance, it did say something important about Japan’s unique geographic and strategic position. Today’s air and...
On May 5, Russian media reported that ten MiG-31 fighters fitted with Kinzhal missiles are currently on test combat duty. Speaking to Zvezda TV, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov explained that “today ten jets have gone on test combat duty and are ready for use depending on the situation.” Reports also announced that the...
Later this spring, the Trump administration will release its 2018 Missile Defense Review (MDR), which is expected to better align U.S. missile defense policy with the present security environment. President Barack Obama’s 2010 Ballistic Missile Defense Review (BMDR) reflected the security environment of the time and the aspirations of the Obama administration. In particular, technological...
