What type of missiles Russia produce

 Russia maintains a robust and diverse arsenal of ballistic missiles, forming a critical component of its strategic deterrence and conventional strike capabilities. These missiles range from short-range tactical systems to intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of delivering nuclear warheads across continents. The development and production of these missiles have been a continuous priority for Russia, with significant investment in modernizing existing systems and developing new, advanced weaponry.

Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs)

At the pinnacle of Russia's ballistic missile capabilities are its ICBMs, designed for strategic nuclear deterrence. These land-based systems are deployed in silos or on mobile launchers, providing flexibility and survivability.

One of the most significant ICBMs in the Russian arsenal is the RS-24 Yars (SS-27 Mod 2). This three-stage, solid-fueled missile is highly mobile, capable of being launched from road-mobile launchers or silos. The Yars is designed to carry multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), allowing a single missile to strike several distinct targets. Its mobility makes it challenging for adversaries to track and target, enhancing its survivability in a first-strike scenario. The Yars system is continuously being modernized and is a cornerstone of Russia's strategic missile forces.

Another crucial ICBM is the RS-28 Sarmat (NATO reporting name: SS-X-30 Satan 2). This super-heavy, liquid-fueled ICBM is intended to replace the aging R-36M (SS-18 Satan) missile. The Sarmat is designed to carry a massive payload, capable of deploying up to 10 heavy warheads or 15 lighter ones, along with a substantial amount of countermeasures to defeat missile defense systems. Its immense destructive power and ability to follow diverse trajectories, including through the South Pole, make it a formidable weapon designed to bypass existing and future missile defense systems. While development has been ongoing, its deployment marks a significant leap in Russia's strategic capabilities.

The RT-2PM2 Topol-M (SS-27) is another key land-based ICBM. It is a single-warhead, solid-fueled missile that can be deployed from silos or as a road-mobile system. While a predecessor to the Yars, the Topol-M remains a vital part of Russia's strategic forces due to its speed and ability to perform evasive maneuvers during its terminal phase, making interception difficult.

Historically, Russia has also operated the UR-100N UTTH (SS-19 Stiletto), a silo-based liquid-propellant missile, which was among the first Soviet missiles to be equipped with MIRV warheads. Though some have been phased out, they represent an earlier generation of MIRV-capable ICBMs.

Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs)

Russia's naval component of its nuclear triad relies on Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs), which are deployed on its ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). These underwater platforms provide a highly survivable second-strike capability.

The primary SLBM in service is the RSM-56 Bulava (SS-N-32). This solid-fueled, intercontinental-range missile is deployed on the new Borei-class SSBNs. Each Borei-class submarine can carry 16 Bulava missiles. The Bulava is designed to carry multiple MIRVs (reportedly 6-10 warheads) and incorporates advanced penetration aids and maneuvering capabilities to overcome missile defenses. Its solid-fuel propulsion offers quicker launch times and greater mobility within the submarine. The Bulava's development faced initial challenges, but it has now become a crucial element of Russia's modernized strategic naval forces.

Older SLBMs, such as the R-29RMU Sineva (SS-N-23 Skiff) and R-29R (SS-N-18 Stingray), are still in service on Russia's Delta IV-class submarines. These liquid-fueled missiles also possess MIRV capabilities and provide a significant deterrence posture. The Sineva, in particular, has undergone modernization to extend its service life and enhance its capabilities.

Short-Range and Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs/MRBMs)

Beyond strategic missiles, Russia also fields a range of tactical and operational-tactical ballistic missiles for conventional and potentially nuclear strikes within a theater of conflict.

The most prominent of these is the 9K720 Iskander-M (SS-26 Stone). This highly accurate, mobile short-range ballistic missile system has a stated range of up to 500 kilometers, though some reports suggest a longer effective range. The Iskander-M is known for its ability to perform evasive maneuvers during flight and deploy various types of warheads, including conventional high-explosive, cluster munitions, and potentially tactical nuclear warheads. It can also launch a cruise missile variant, the Iskander-K, from the same platform, adding to its versatility. The Iskander-M has seen extensive use in recent conflicts, demonstrating its effectiveness in precision strikes against ground targets. Production of the Iskander-M has significantly ramped up in recent years, making it a key component of Russia's conventional missile arsenal.

Russia has also been investing heavily in hypersonic missiles, which represent a new frontier in ballistic missile technology. While not strictly ballistic for their entire flight path (they often exhibit aerodynamic maneuvering), they share characteristics with ballistic missiles in their launch and initial trajectory. The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is an air-launched ballistic missile that can achieve hypersonic speeds, reportedly reaching Mach 10. Launched from MiG-31K or Tu-22M3 aircraft, it has a range of over 2,000 kilometers and is designed to defeat advanced air defense systems due to its extreme speed and maneuverability. The 3M22 Zircon (Tsirkon) is another hypersonic missile, designed for anti-ship and land-attack roles, capable of being launched from ships and submarines. Its operational status is still evolving, but it represents Russia's push for high-speed, highly maneuverable strike capabilities.

In summary, Russia's ballistic missile production encompasses a wide spectrum of capabilities, from its strategic ICBMs and SLBMs forming the backbone of its nuclear deterrence to its versatile tactical systems like the Iskander-M and cutting-edge hypersonic missiles. Continuous modernization and development efforts underscore Russia's commitment to maintaining a powerful and technologically advanced missile arsenal.