Russia Advances Nuclear-Capable “Avangard” Hypersonic Glide Vehicle

By Johnny Franks, Warrior Contributor

Even as its invasion of Ukraine commands significant attention and resources, Russia has continued its ambitious strides in military modernization, notably in hypersonic technology development. The year marked significant advancements in hypersonic systems, with Russia not only continuing to fund their development but also employing these weapons in combat operations in Ukraine. This real-world deployment highlights the growing strategic importance Russia places on these systems, as well as their potential to reshape military doctrines and power projection capabilities.

The Zircon hypersonic cruise missile is a notable standout on this front. The Zircon is particularly significant given its Mach 8 speed and has been a focal point of Russian advancements in hypersonic weaponry. Additionally, Russia has been advancing its capabilities with the “Avangard” hypersonic glide vehicle. The Avangard is capable of being nuclear-armed and is designed to be launched atop an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). This system represents a significant leap in strike capabilities with the potential to bypass conventional missile defenses due to its high speed and maneuverability. 

An interesting write up on Avangard from Vajiram and Ravi Institute for IAS Examination says the Avangard has a range of over 6,000 km and can carry a nuclear or conventional payload on an ICBM,

The Avangard has “a short wedge-shaped design” which does not contain a separate propulsion system, relying on gravity and its aerodynamic features to maintain velocity after an initial boost,” the essay says. 

The Vajiram and Ravi Institute for IAS Examination also says the Avangard can accelerate, change its trajectory and maneuver successfully while traveling at hypersonic speeds up to Mach 27.  This would make any kind of intercept nearly impossible as an ability to maneuver at these speeds complicates any targeting efforts. The concept with the hypersonic glide vehicle is to transit into space and use the sheer speed of descent to exact a devastating “kinetic” impact upon a target. 

Johnny Franks, Warrior Contributor, holds an MA From American University in Foreign Policy and National Security