“Will there be a kernel?” – an expert’s opinion on the first launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile

On November 21, 2024, Russian forces launched an attack on the Dnipro River using an intercontinental ballistic missile launched from the Astrakhan region. As noted by military expert Pavlo Narozhnyi, this is the first case in history when this type of missile is used in combat operations. In an exclusive comment UNN, he spoke about the features of this type of weaponry and its impact on the situation.

What is special about this rocket?

It has several key features. Firstly, its flight height is more than 100 km, and sometimes even up to 150 km. This is much higher than a conventional ballistic missile that flies at an altitude of 20-25 km. Secondly, this is a very expensive type of missile – the cost of a shot can reach tens of millions of dollars, and if you take into account all the complexes, even hundreds of millions. It is extremely difficult to shoot down such a missile. This requires a complex such as THAAD, which Ukraine does not have. And there is not even talk that someone will pass them on to us. These are state-of-the-art systems that are available in the US and possibly Israel.

How can this affect the course of the war?

This is more of a psychological pressure than a real influence on the course of the war. Although the missile is designed to carry a nuclear warhead, Russia is unlikely to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine. The use of a nuclear warhead will pollute the territory not only of Ukraine, but also of Europe, so it is not profitable for Russia. In this case, we are probably talking about ordinary explosives – several tons, which is not new for Ukraine. Russia already uses missiles with warheads of 800 kg-1 t, and this did not change the course of the war.

How does this affect the international response?

Of course, this may affect the international reaction. I hope that our allies will not just be “concerned” but “very concerned” about this development.

Are there strategic advantages in using such missiles for Russia?

There are no strategic advantages for Russia in using such missiles in this conflict. This is more a demonstration of strength and the expenditure of huge funds.

What do you think about the information that the missile that was launched is a Rubizh missile?

Only after analyzing the wreckage of the rocket can it be said exactly which rocket it is. Now it is difficult to make estimates without such information.

Have there been similar cases before?

This is the first time in history that an intercontinental ballistic missile has been used in combat. Previously, intercontinental missiles were used exclusively for testing. For example, Hiroshima and Nagasaki were nuclear bombs dropped from an airplane. More powerful strikes were carried out by the US when it dropped bombs in Afghanistan, but these were guided bombs, not ICBMs.

What is new in the use of such a rocket?

The size of the warhead is the main feature, but it is the use of an intercontinental missile that can travel up to 6,000 km that is a new phenomenon in warfare. This is the first time such a missile has been used in real combat.

We will remind

Today, Russia used a new missile against Ukraine, which has the characteristics of an intercontinental ballistic missile. President Zelenskyi reported that examinations of these weapons are currently underway.

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