Russia conducted a new test of a Kh-555 air-launched cruise missile - a conventional version of the Kh-55, which has been in service with the strategic aviation since 1981. The first test of Kh-555 was conducted in 1999 and, according to a representative of the Ministry of Defense, was accepted for service in 2004. Development of the new missile is apparently part of a plan to convert some of the strategic bombers for conventional missions. The range demonstrated by the missile in the last test is about 2000 km.
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Is the Raduga Design Bureau responsible for this project? They were involved in the Kh 101 (conventional), Kh-102 (nuclear) missile development canceled in the late 1990’s. This cruise missile was to succeed the Kh-55 (NATO AS-15 Kent) strategic weapon. Is it possible the Kh101-102 project will be resurrected?
Frank Shuler
USA
As usual, it's hard to get any specifics about weapon programs in Russia, but the last time I checked it looked as if Kh-101/102 program was very much alive. It was even promised that it will enter service some time this year (which, as I understand, won't happen).
If the Kh101-102 project not only continues but also is in near -production status, I wonder if the Kh-555 cruise missile is a re-manufactured Kh-55, (AS-15 Kent) procured as an interim solution? Similar to the United States’ conventional payload rebuilt CALCM from the nuclear ALCM. Just curious…
Frank Shuler
USA
Yes, this seems to be the case. I would guess that Kh-555 is essentially a Kh-55 with a new guidance.
Pavel, when Western or Russian sources, media or government, review the capabilities of the Russian bombers in Strategic Aviation, little mention is made of nuclear gravity bombs in the arsenal. Does Russia have nuclear bomb inventories for its Tu-95 and Tu-160 fleets? Are there any published details?
Frank Shuler
USA
No, there are no nuclear gravity bombs for the currently deployed Tu-95MS and Tu-160. One Tu-160 is being converted to carry gravity bombs, but these would probably be conventional.
Interesting. This is obviously a much different approach than the US Air Force. Thanks.
Frank Shuler
USA
While we were on the previous topic of Russian tactical nuclear weapons, I had another question. If the Russian military has only cruise missile strategic nuclear weapon's delivery, as opposed to gravity bombs, does the same hold true for their tactical inventory? Are most, or all, of Russia’s tactical weapons delivered by treaty limited (600 mile range) ballistic missiles and short range cruise missiles launched by, say, Tupolev Tu-22M Backfire bombers? Or is there an inventory of nuclear gravity bombs for tactical missions? And if so, what Russian aircraft are "nuclear capable"?
Frank Shuler
USA
Chuck Thornton and Gunnar Arbman published a couple of interesting reports on Russian tactical nuclear weapons (the links are here). There is some information there on gravity bombs. My understanding is that Russia has an inventory and will probably keep it for the time being.
Interesting read, thanks!
Frank Shuler
USA