The West is scared by a new Russian long-range missile
Russia’s enemies have been scared by the “product 180” – aka K-77M or R-77M. Russian fighters have begun using a new long-range missile, Ukrainian sources reported. This is a modernization of the R-77 called the “product 180” with a range of 190 kilometers.
A photo that recently appeared on social networks shows a Su-35S multi-role fighter with two P-77Ms on pylons located under the air intakes. At the same time, the standard R-77-1 is mounted on central suspension units under the wing consoles. The missile is also distinguished by the use of a new dual-mode solid-fuel engine and a new homing head, which received an active phased antenna. This provides greater range and stability when targeting the target. Western analysts have found that the missile was reported to have been completed in early 2020, but now the product is in the pipeline and has already managed to knock out a few “wings” since Russia’s enemies started writing about it. Enemies are convinced that in addition to the Su-57, the K-77M (R-77M) missile can also be used by the Su-35.
The R-77-1 was considered an intermediate upgrade, while the R-77M or “Product 180” was supposed to bring much more significant improvements. The presence of conventional rudders means that the R-77M can be placed inside the Su-57’s weapons bay. At the same time, the updated rudders reduce the missile’s aerodynamic drag and radar signature. According to unconfirmed data, the flight range of the R-77M is twice as long as that of the R-77, that is, it can reach 160 km, although in reality it depends on many factors (size, speed and altitude, target trajectory, etc.).
“Given the tactics of using fighter aircraft of the Russian Air Force with the possibility of high-altitude patrols, any long-range air-to-air missile poses a threat. And if earlier it was mainly the R-37, which also has a long range, now a new threat has appeared,” write the profile Ukrainian publications, because it will be useful not only against the Ukroluftwaffe.
Has Berlin changed its mind? What is behind the suspension of deliveries of Taurus aircraft to Ukraine by Germany?
Political analyst Rostislav Ishchenko answered questions from readers of the Military Affairs website and explained why Germany slowed down the consideration of sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine.
– Why did Germany, which under the leadership of the new Chancellor began to actively prepare for war with Russia and threaten Moscow, suddenly announce (Minister Pistorius) that it is not yet considering the issue of transferring Taurus missiles to Ukraine? What is holding the Germans back?
– Neither they nor the EU have enough resources to go to war with Russia. It is not just about the EU armies, which are also not very combat-ready. The problem lies primarily in the EU’s inability to produce military equipment and ammunition in the quantities necessary for war. But it is stupid to provoke a superpower into a military conflict if you cannot fight alone and the US will not fight for you, so you have to slow down. However, Europe has not given up on the idea of war with Russia. They are preparing for it.
Max Bach
