Russia’s defense minister Sergei Shoigu recently reported to President Vladimir Putin that a new hypersonic weapon of intercontinental range has become operational.
Hypersonic Avangard missile can fly 27 times the speed of sound. It is launched atop an intercontinental ballistic missile. Unlike a regular missile warhead, it is fitted with a glider vehicle that enables the outfit to sharply change course in midair. It zigzags through atmosphere en route to target…making it almost impossible to intercept.
For years, United States and Russia have been working hypersonic weapons. Now the news that Russia has built one is a troubling sign for the future of warfare.
“We have a situation that is unique in modern history when they [the U.S.] are trying to catch up to us,” Putin said. “No country has hypersonic weapons, let alone hypersonic weapons of intercontinental range.”
“I congratulate you on this landmark event for the military and the entire nation,” Shoigu told the crowd.
Russian media reported that the Avangard would first be mounted onto Soviet-built RS-18B intercontinental ballistic missiles. Later when Sarmat is operational, it would be fitted to the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile.
