Russia's double-warhead AS‑23a poses new threat to Ukraine

Based on information from British intelligence, the Russians have decided to modify the AS-23a cruise missiles. The new variants are expected to have half the range, but despite this, they will be more dangerous for Ukrainians. We explain why.

The British report that the Russian air forces' Long-Range Aviation (DA) has decided to equip the AS-23a (NATO code: Kodiak) cruise missiles with additional (second) warheads. This was motivated by a desire to increase the weapon's potency, and, in practice, it may have just such effects.

“This latest modification has likely reduced the range of the AS-23 by half. The LRA does not need the full range to hit all of Ukraine. The second warhead is designed for increased fragmentation at the target. It is likely that this will make the system more effective in striking non-hardened targets,"—the daily intelligence update stated.

The British emphasise that since the beginning of the war against Ukraine, the Russians have been making efforts to modify their weaponry aimed at increasing its lethality and survivability. The problem with Russian cruise missiles is that many of them are intercepted by the Ukrainian air defence.

The range of the AS-23a cruise missiles is up to 4,500 kilometres. Reducing it by half by adding an additional warhead will not deprive the Russians of the ability to attack any chosen targets on Ukrainian soil. On the other hand, as the British explain, it will significantly increase shrapnel dispersion upon impact.

Each of these missiles has a weight of up to 2,400 kilograms and a length of almost 7.5 metres. Once launched, it reaches a speed of about 1,000 kilometres/hour.

To carry the AS-23a cruise missiles, the Russians use strategic bombers Tu-160, Tu-95, Tu-95MS. The Tu-95 (NATO code: Bear H), commonly seen over Ukraine, forms the core of the Russian strategic air force. These aircraft can operate at altitudes up to 13,500 metres and stay airborne without refuelling for even 14 hours. Their range is estimated at 10,500 kilometres. They are powered by four Kuznetsov NK 12 turboprop engines with 15,000 horsepower each. Thanks to this, the Tu-95 reaches a top speed of 830 kilometres/hour.