The Russian Strategic Bomber Squadron: Upcoming Arsenal Boosted by Hypersonic Cruise Missiles
In an interview released on December 26th, Sergey Kobylash, the commander of the Russian strategic air force, revealed that a range of new weapons, notably hypersonic cruise missiles, are currently under development and being delivered to the strategic air force. General Kobylash indicated that a substantial number of these advanced weapons will be integrated into the Russian strategic bomber squadron in 2023.
Furthermore, the strategic air force is actively engaged in the development of specialized aviation complexes dedicated to both nuclear and non-nuclear deterrence missions. This emphasis on advanced weaponry underscores the commitment of the Russian military to maintain a cutting-edge and robust strategic capability.
The Russian strategic air force had previously commissioned a regiment of MiG-31 heavy fighters equipped with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles by the close of 2021. This move is considered a significant stride in bolstering Russia’s military presence and capabilities, particularly in the context of ongoing operations in Ukraine. The experience gained from these missions provides invaluable combat insights and serves as a platform for mastering new weapon systems.
Hypersonic missiles are a class of weaponry capable of reaching speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, or more than 6,200 km/h. This extraordinary velocity renders these weapons exceedingly difficult to intercept with contemporary defense systems, as their rapid movement and intricate flight paths pose unique challenges to existing countermeasures.
Sergei Shoigu, responsible for Russia’s defense, highlighted in August that three Kinzhal hypersonic missiles had been dispatched to Ukraine. He underscored the successful targeting of high-value objectives by these missiles, emphasizing their unmatched effectiveness and the substantial difficulty in neutralizing them once launched.
Even US President Joe Biden acknowledged the significance of the Kinzhal hypersonic missile system, noting that it wields substantial impact and capabilities that are exceedingly challenging to counter. The prominence of these advanced hypersonic weapons in the Russian strategic bomber squadron underscores a growing trend toward developing cutting-edge technologies that can reshape the landscape of modern warfare.
