@jamesusnavy: Russia successfully conducted a test launch of the A-235 PL-19 Nudol Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) system at a speed of Mach 27, or 33,076 kilometers per hour, or 9.1 kilometers per second, which is specifically designed to intercept Multiple Independently-targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) nuclear warheads!! . The A-235 PL-19 Nudol (ABM) strategic intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and anti-satellite missile system belongs to the Russian Strategic Missile Forces. This system uses a new generation of missiles equipped with the ABM-3 (53T6M) titanium-kinetic energy warhead to reduce atmospheric friction or drag. While intercepting MIRV nuclear warheads in the atmosphere at a speed of Mach 27 (33,076 kilometers per hour) or 9.1 kilometers per second, it has a maximum intercept altitude (or range) of 1,000 kilometers . The A-235 PL-19 Nudol (ABM) missile defense system is a Russian missile defense system designed to protect Moscow and the surrounding areas from Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) nuclear attacks. Originally, the Soviet Union used the 53T6 missile equipped with a 10-kiloton nuclear warhead, which was designed to destroy incoming warheads with a nuclear explosion at close range, but in the modern upgrade, Russia developed and switched to using the new 53T6M variant with a kinetic or hit-to-kill warhead instead, in order to reduce the effects of a nuclear explosion . The A-235 system uses the Don-2N (Pill Box) radar, which is a large phased array radar capable of detecting and tracking multiple incoming missiles simultaneously. This radar plays a crucial role in the command and control of the interceptor missiles. The A-235 consists of two layers of interceptor missiles: the 51T6 (Gorgon) missile and the 53T6M (Gazelle) missile . The principle of operation is: If there is an ICBM attack, the system uses the Don-2N radar and other early warning radar networks to detect targets. Once the warhead's position and trajectory are identified, the system launches the 53T6M missile from an underground silo to intercept it in the atmosphere before the warhead reaches its target . However, Russia has been using the "Sary Shagan Test Range" in Kazakhstan, which is a Russian missile testing center since the Soviet era, renting it as a location for test firing the A-235 system's missiles and anti-air missile systems, as well as other types of missiles. Furthermore, Kazakhstan is a site for Russian missile and rocket testing, but it is not a permanent operational base for the A-235 system.

Benjamin w. James (U.S. Navy)

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Monday 13 October 2025 15:29:41 GMT