RS-26 Rubezh Overview
The RS-26 Rubezh, also known as SS-X-31, (the x designates NATO considers it an experiment missile), is a Russian intercontinental ballistic missile in theory but an IRBM in practice, developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology. It is a road-mobile, solid-fueled missile designed for strategic nuclear deterrence and high-precision strikes on critical infrastructure.
Specifications
• Length: Approximately 12 meters
• Diameter: About 1.8 meters
• Launch Weight: Around 36,000 kilograms
• Range: Approximately 5,800 to 6,000 kilometers with three full stages.
• Speed: Terminal speed exceeding Mach 20 (~24,500 km/h)
• Warheads: Capable of carrying Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs) or Maneuverable Reentry Vehicles (MaRVs) with yields between 150 to 300 kilotons. Now known to carry ten warheads in the MRV (non-manoeuvring, not independently targeted) format, used in Ukraine for the first time on Dnipro on November 20 2024. Ten inert apparently ‘test’ warheads were targeted at the Dnipro and Arcemettal Steel works complex, causing considerable damage from kinetic impact.
This was the first ever use of a multiple warhead IRBM in combat.
Development and Testing
The RS-26 is derived from the RS-24 Yars and was first successfully tested in 2012. Several failures had occurred from 2008. Despite initial plans for deployment in 2016, its development was delayed in favor of the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle program. The missile had faced criticism for potentially violating the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty due to its range capabilities. That treaty was abrogated by Donald Trump in 2019.
Strategic Role
The RS-26 aims to enhance Russia’s nuclear deterrence capabilities by targeting multiple strategic locations, especially in Europe, the Middle East and even China.
Few missiles seem to have been built of deployed with other weapons such as Avantguard and Kizhal taking precedence. Russia has more than enough ICBM’s to cover any real need in a lower category like IRBM’s.
Historical background and use
Russia has a long tradition of using reduced capability missiles for different purposes. The SS-13 never saw full deployment. Nor did the SS-16. The main IRBM type that played a major historical role in the 1975-91 period was the SS-20 which carried 3x120kt MIRVS and was built in large numbers. Post Cold War, the program director admitted that the only reason they built so many was because in the soviet system nobody told them to stop.
The missile was responsible for a major speech by Chancellor Helmut Schmidt in 1977. He warned that Europe was facing an increased nuclear threat. It lead to the deployment of Pershing-2 MRBM’s and the Ground Launched Cruise Missile. The whole class was abolished in the now defunct Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty of 1989. The only arms treaty that effectively saw the destruction of entire classes of nuclear weapons.
The RS-26 (SS-X-31) potentially stands to replace the SS-20.
The use of the missile on Dnipro was in direct retaliation over the use of western short range strike missiles in Russia by Ukraine. As a warning it’s clear, the Russians making it known what they can do as if we somehow don’t know.
Frankly as a retaliatory measure and statement it smacks of desperation and lack of options.
There had been hints the previous day that some kind of unusual attack would occur and several embassies including the Americans were closed for the day in Kyiv.
My view on why it wasn’t Kyiv, is because of the Patriots that defend it – the Russians wanted it to hit a target and not face the possible humiliation of it being shot down.
Another bizarre incident occurred at the Russian foreign ministry when the spokeswoman was asked about the missile strike. Her mobile rang as she stood on the podium and she forgot to turn off her microphone. She was being told that she mustn’t answer any questions about the missile launch, it never happened and she was not to respond. She turned her notes over and asked for any other questions.
The Analyst
The Military Analyst 