Russian cruise missiles get deadly upgrade, halving range for greater impact

Based on information from British intelligence, the Russians have decided to modify the AS-23a cruise missiles. The updated versions are expected to have half the range, but despite this, they will be more dangerous for Ukrainians. Let's explore why.

The British report that the Long-Range Aviation (DA) of the Russian air forces has chosen to equip the AS-23a (NATO code: Kodiak) cruise missiles with additional (second) warheads. This decision aims to increase the weapon's effectiveness and could indeed have significant impacts.

According to the daily intelligence update, "This latest modification has likely reduced the range of the AS-23 by half. The LRA does not need the full range to hit all of Ukraine. The second warhead is designed for increased fragmentation at the target. It is likely that this will make the system more effective in striking non-hardened targets."

The British highlight that since the onset of the conflict with Ukraine, the Russians have continuously worked on upgrading their weaponry, focusing on enhancing both lethality and survivability. The challenge for the Russian cruise missiles has been the Ukrainian air defence's ability to intercept many of them.

The AS-23a cruise missiles initially have a range of up to 4,500 kilometres. Halving this distance by adding an extra warhead won't prevent the Russians from striking any selected targets within Ukraine. However, as the British point out, it will substantially increase shrapnel dispersion upon impact.

Each missile weighs up to 2,400 kilograms and measures almost 7.5 meters in length. Once launched, it reaches speeds of nearly 1,000 kilometres/hour.

To deploy the AS-23a cruise missiles, the Russians use strategic bombers Tu-160, Tu-95, Tu-95MS. The Tu-95 (NATO code: Bear H), frequently observed over Ukraine, is at the heart of the Russian strategic air force. These aircraft can fly at altitudes up to 13,500 meters and remain in the air without refuelling for up to 14 hours. They have a range of about 10,500 kilometres. Powered by four Kuznetsov NK 12 turboprop engines producing 15,000 horsepower, the Tu-95 can reach top speeds of 830 kilometres/hour.