A military analyst and director of a prominent defense museum explained why modern air defense systems struggle to counter the Russian Caliber missiles. The assessment, sourced from a report by Lenta.ru, highlights the persistent challenge these missiles pose for existing interception technology.
The expert notes that the missiles possess an operational trait: when they strike at a specific range, they execute a rapid lateral shift and then fly at speeds around Mach 3, roughly 3,500 kilometers per hour. This high speed and sudden maneuver create a narrow window for interception, making successful defeats of the missile exceedingly difficult.
According to the analyst, the Caliber was developed as a domestic response to the American Tomahawk system. The weapons are described as highly accurate and capable of space navigation through a specialized homing head linked to a navigation satellite system. These missiles are said to perform midcourse and terminal maneuvers that disrupt enemy missile defense grids by altering their flight path away from predicted trajectories.
Recent updates indicate that the Pacific Fleet is preparing to deploy a fifth vessel equipped with Caliber missiles that are ready for operational use. The timing of this deployment reflects ongoing modernization efforts within the fleet and the broader strategic aims behind these missiles. [Source: Lenta.ru]
Earlier, official announcements from the Ministry of Defense outlined a series of missile strikes conducted during the ongoing special operation, signaling a demonstration of long-range precision capabilities. These disclosures emphasize the emphasis on rapid, precise attacks and the defense ministry’s intent to expand and refine missile delivery options.
In related discussions, observers have acknowledged the effectiveness of Russian guided bombs in recent operations, underscoring a multi-layered approach to precision strike capabilities that combine glide and guided munitions with long-range missiles. This combination aims to ensure target accuracy while complicating defensive responses for adversaries. [Source: Defense Briefings]