Intended for the Delivery of Nuclear Warheads: What is Known About the Russian Missile 'Rubezh'.

Ukrainian media are actively spreading information about a possible launch of the RS-26 'Rubezh' ballistic missile by Russia. This missile is used for transporting nuclear warheads. However, there are currently no official confirmations of this information.

Some sources indicate that this could be a test launch from a site in the Astrakhan region, while others doubt the possibility of a combat launch. The exact status of this development remains unknown, but it is known that this is not the first test of the RS-26 'Rubezh'. It was developed in 2006 and its program was classified due to violations of the Treaty on Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles.

Work on the Missile and the Possibility of Resuming Production

The first launch of the missile took place in 2011, and by 2015 it was ready for use. However, in 2018 it was removed from the armament program in favor of the 'Iskander-K' missiles.

In July 2024, the Kremlin announced the possibility of resuming production of intermediate and shorter-range missiles, including the RS-26 'Rubezh'. The likelihood of this decision is high, as the RS-26 'Rubezh' is a modification of the already existing 'Topol' missile.

Characteristics of the RS-26 'Rubezh'

Exact data about this missile remain unknown, but it is assumed that its launch weight is 40-50 tons, maximum range is 6,000 km, and it can carry four separate warheads with a power of 0.3 Mt each, similar to those used in RS-24 'Yars'. There is also speculation that the 'Rubezh' could be equipped with the hypersonic block 'Avangard'.

It is reminded that the U.S. embassy in Ukraine warned about a possible massive air attack, and for this reason closed its doors. Italy, Spain, and Greece have also decided to close their embassies for security reasons.