New Russian R-37M nuclear missile for MiG-31 and Su-35S will be able to shoot down squadrons: what is known about it?

American intelligence reported a new Russian air-to-air missile with a nuclear warhead, which allegedly has already begun to be accepted into service by the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS).

The report of the intelligence directorate of the US Armed Forces states that it may be a new modification of the long-range R-37M missile.

It is specified that Su-35S fighters and MiG-31BM interceptors can carry the ammunition. According to the author of the material, the R-37M with nuclear equipment will allow a Russian combat aircraft to neutralize entire squadrons of enemy aircraft on its own.

This seems logical, since its predecessor under the index Р-33 could also be equipped with a nuclear warhead. If we assume that the R-37M and R-33S can still carry a nuclear warhead, then these are the only air-to-air missiles with a nuclear warhead in service in the world.

What about the USA itself

During the Cold War, the US Air Force also had an air-to-air missile with a nuclear warhead, the GAR-11, later renamed AIM-26A, which, like its Soviet counterpart, was originally intended to destroy groups of bombers and was an area-effect weapon. The R-37 long-range air-to-air missile is one of the most powerful Russian missiles with a range of over 300 km and a warhead weight of about 60 kg.

Earlier, the Su-30SM2 was first spotted with R-37M air-to-air missiles. The fighter shot down a MiG-29 combat aircraft at a distance of 213 km, thereby setting a world record.

Earlier, www1.ru reported that footage of an export fighter-bomber Su-34 in unusual camouflage has appeared.

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