We can reach your cities. That’s the message Putin is sending to Europe and the US following Russia’s use of an ICBM on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. It’s the first time in history an ICBM has been used in war.
With a range of up to 5,000 km, this missile is capable of reaching the UK (Great Britain) in 19 minutes, Poland in 8, Belgium in 14 and Germany in 11. It can carry both a high-explosive fragmentation charge and a nuclear one.
While an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) from Russia could take approximately 40 minutes to reach a US target, this hypersonic missile significantly reduces flight time, underscoring its enhanced threat.
The missile’s speed and range allow it to strike with minimal warning, highlighting its potential for devastating surprise attacks.
It can carry a nuclear warhead, delivering a 150-kiloton payload. Each missile may contain 3-6 warheads, each with individual guidance.
Thankfully, the RS-26 ICBM was armed with a conventional warhead. Russia is sending out a clear message. It can deliver this warhead to any target in Ukraine or Europe, and there is no current defence against it.