Russia's deadly AS‑23a missile upgrade: a dual-warhead concern

The Ukrainian service Defense Express published photos of the wreckage of the AS-23a (Kh-101) cruise missile. Preliminary analysis confirms that the Russians modified this weapon to make it even more lethal. We explain the mechanism they applied.

The found wreckage comes from one of these types of missiles, which the Russians used in a massive attack on May 7, 2024. An element that particularly attracted attention here was as many as two warheads—the standard for the AS-23a cruise missile weighs 990 pounds, and an additional one weighs about 770 pounds.

Studies conducted by Ukrainians confirm information published a few days earlier by British intelligence. The Russians opted for such modifications of the AS-23a cruise missiles to make them even more dangerous. The additional warhead is supposed to generate a much larger shrapnel spray upon impact.

This modification reduces the range of the discussed weapon (the second warhead replaces some of the fuel). However, its standard range is still about 4,500 kilometers, so even if its range were halved, it wouldn't prevent the Russians from attacking any selected targets in Ukraine.

In the pages of Defense Express, there was also mention of the serial number found on the wreckage of this AS-23a missile, indicating it was produced in the second quarter of 2024. This means it was just off the production line and quickly fielded against Ukraine. This raises concerns that these modifications are being carried out by the Russians on a larger scale.

There are some doubts about how the additional warhead affects, for example, the guidance systems and mechanisms responsible for detonation. However, the increased lethality may, in the eyes of the Russians, compensate for the reduced accuracy of the AS-23a missile. Its overall dimensions most likely remained the same. We remind you that each of these missiles is almost 7.5 meters long, reaching speeds of almost 1,000 km/h after launch.

For their part, we remind you that the Russians use their strategic bombers to carry AS-23a cruise missiles. This primarily refers to the Tu-95, most often seen over Ukraine. These aircraft can operate at an altitude of up to about 13,500 meters and stay in the air without refuelling for up to 14 hours. Their range is estimated at 10,500 kilometres.