Russia to Upgrade Missile Attack Warning System

Russia’s NIIDAR Long-Distance Radio Communications Research Institute is upgrading the country’s missile early warning system that integrates Tundra satellites and a ground-based segment of a network of Voronezh-type radars.

"Yes, the modernization project is in the works. Its basic goal is to build up the radar capability of the missile early warning system to respond to the future target situation. A new series of radars has been placed on combat alert recently. However, their designed properties incorporate the potential of further upgrade and the flexible buildup of capabilities," CEO of the Mints Radio-Technical Institute and the NIIDAR told TASS during an interview Wednesday.

The Russian missile early warning system is made up of the space-based component that integrates Tundra satellites and the ground-based segment of a network of Voronezh-type radars that cover all missile-threat directions by its continuous radar field. The system is designed to spot within the shortest time possible and lock on ballistic missiles launched against the territory of Russia and its allies.

The U.S. Air Force reported in mid-May that it had successfully tested a hypersonic weapon prototype under the ARRW (Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon) program. An AGM-183A boost glide weapon launched from a Boeing B-52H strategic bomber flew at five times the speed of sound.