By Russia’s rocket forces have recently loaded an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with the cutting-edge Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle. This development was unveiled in a broadcast by a Defence Ministry TV channel, showcasing the nation’s prowess in advanced military technology.
This maneuver comes as a response to the United States’ advancements in a new generation of weapons, a sentiment emphasized by President Vladimir Putin when he announced the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle back in 2018.
The geopolitical landscape is witnessing strategic competition between major powers, with each nation striving to assert its dominance in the technological arms race.
The Avangard, once detached from the rocket, exhibits remarkable maneuverability as it approaches its target.
Capable of sharply altering its trajectory at hypersonic speeds, reaching up to 27 times the speed of sound (approximately 21,000 miles per hour or 34,000 kilometers per hour), this technology showcases Russia’s prowess in cutting-edge military capabilities.
A broadcast by the Zvezda television channel, affiliated with the Russian Defence Ministry, provided a visual insight into the deployment process. A ballistic missile was transported to a launch silo, meticulously raised into a vertical position, and then slowly lowered into a shaft in the Orenburg region near Kazakhstan.
This isn’t the first time the Orenburg facility has played a role in such advancements. Russia had previously installed its inaugural Avangard-equipped missile at the same facility in 2019, solidifying its commitment to staying at the forefront of military technology.
As Russia continues to showcase its technological capabilities, global dynamics are witnessing shifts in the balance of power. Both Russia and the United States recognized as the world’s foremost nuclear powers, express regret over the erosion of arms-control treaties.
Simultaneously, they actively engage in the development of new weapons systems, including hypersonic capabilities, echoing a similar sentiment from China.
