All articles tagged with #icbm
Russia test-fired its new heavy ICBM, the Sarmat (Satan II), with Putin declaring it the most powerful missile in the world and saying it will enter service by year’s end; the launch highlights Moscow’s drive to modernize its nuclear triad as relations with the West evolve and arms-controls contexts shift after a key pact expired.
Turkey unveiled the 18‑meter Yıldırımhan ICBM at a defence expo, touting a 6,000km range and a 3-ton warhead, but defence officials and Western analysts say the system is still in testing and its advertised capabilities—promoted in an AI-generated promo video—are likely overstated; the longest-range Turkish missile (Tayfun) has only reached about 600km in tests.
Turkey revealed a full-scale model of the Yildirimhan, a conventionally armed, long-range ballistic missile with an estimated 6,000 km range, shown at SAHA 2026. Described as a single-stage, four-engine, liquid-fueled system, road-mobile and capable of carrying a 3,000 kg warhead, the project signals Ankara’s push to broaden its conventional deterrent. While timelines remain unclear and MTCR/export concerns apply, analysts view Yildirimhan as potentially a stepping stone toward deeper strike capabilities, without indicating nuclear ambitions at this stage.
Turkey unveiled a mock-up concept of an intercontinental ballistic missile called Yildirimhan at SAHA 2026, claiming a 6,000 km range, Mach 25 speed, four engines and a 3,000 kg warhead, but officials stressed there is no production yet and no confirmed flight tests; experts say the move underscores Ankara's push for strategic autonomy, domestic defense capability, and a larger role in NATO, while also tying to its civilian space ambitions.
Turkey's Defense Ministry unveiled the Yildirimhan intercontinental ballistic missile at the SAHA defense expo, claiming a 6,000-kilometer range and Mach 25 speed powered by four rocket engines. Analysts say the program appears advanced and could bolster deterrence, while officials provided few technical details. The event also featured Roketsan's broader missile lineup, including a counter-UAS system, an anti-tank missile, a micro munition, and a small-winged cruise missile for drones, underscoring Turkey's push for a more independent, homegrown defense industry.
Turkey unveiled the domestically developed intercontinental ballistic missile Yildirimhan at the SAHA 2026 defense expo, claiming a range of up to 6,000 km and speeds from Mach 9 to Mach 25 using liquid-fuel propulsion, with a 3,000 kg payload; the launch signals progress toward a self-reliant Turkish defense industry and places it among the few nations with ICBM capability.
Türkiye unveiled its first intercontinental ballistic missile, Yildirimhan, at the SAHA 2026 defense expo in Istanbul, claiming a 6,000-km range and speeds of Mach 9–25; developed by the National Defense Ministry's R&D Center, it is liquid-fueled using liquid nitrogen tetroxide and powered by four engines, signaling a milestone in Turkey's expanding defense industry.
CBS News provides an exclusive look at the modernization of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, moving from aging Minuteman III missiles to the newer Sentinel system. The tour covers decommissioned silos, the large-scale build-out of hundreds of new launch facilities, a roughly $141 billion price tag, and the aim of faster, safer, and more capable deterrence, all while maintaining readiness during the transition.
North Korea, a close ally of Russia, is now reported to have enough nuclear warheads and delivery systems to potentially breach US missile defenses and conduct a limited strike. The two countries are expanding defense ties through 2031, with Pyongyang supplying ammunition to Russia in exchange for support on its missile program, and experts warn NK could reach around 50 launchers and produce up to 20 warheads per year, signaling rapid growth that could narrow strategic parity within a decade.
North Korea conducted a ground test of an upgraded solid-fuel engine for missiles that Pyongyang says could target the U.S. mainland, with Kim Jong Un overseeing the test. KCNA said the engine’s thrust reached 2,500 kilonewtons, up from about 1,970 kN in a prior test. Analysts say the claim may be exaggerated and some data was not disclosed, and no launch has proven an operational ICBM, but the test highlights a drive to field faster, more mobile nuclear-capable missiles as part of a five-year arms buildup.
U.S. intelligence officials say President Trump’s claim that Iran is days away from an intercontinental ballistic missile is overstated. A Defense Intelligence Agency assessment last year suggested an ICBM could be possible by 2035 if Iran pursued it, and sources told CNN there is no current intelligence indicating Iran is building an ICBM aimed at the United States; despite urgency from the White House and some officials, analysts warn there is no concrete evidence Iran is close to producing such a weapon.
Ukraine confirmed overnight strikes using Flamingo long-range cruise missiles on Russia’s Votkinsk Machine Building Plant in the Udmurt Republic, a key facility that produces Iskander-M missiles and ICBMs. Ukraine also targeted other sites. Independent verification is limited; local reports describe fire, smoke, and possible damage and casualties. The Flamingo system reportedly has up to a 3,000 km range and a ~1,150 kg warhead.
A Pentagon report warns China is hiding over 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles in silo fields near Mongolia, with ongoing nuclear expansion expected to reach over 1,000 warheads by 2030, amid broader military ambitions including potential conflict with Taiwan and a lack of interest in arms control talks.
The U.S. Air Force conducted a successful test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM from Vandenberg AFB to assess its reliability, accuracy, and readiness, supporting ongoing national defense efforts and the modernization of its missile force.
North Korea showcased a new, powerful intercontinental ballistic missile called Hwasong-20 at a military parade, signaling advancements in its nuclear arsenal amid increased diplomatic activity with China, Russia, and Vietnam, and emphasizing its military strength and regional influence.