Image source: topwar.ru
One of the most advanced developments of the Russian defense industry is the KC-172 air-to-air missile, which differs significantly from its analogues, including American ones, in range. According to the Western press, it is successfully undergoing integration with the MiG-31 combat aircraft.
- says the publication Army Recognition.
As indicated, unlike its Western counterparts, such as the American AIM-120D missile (range 160-180 km) or the Chinese PL-15 (300 km), the range of the KS-172 is significantly higher, amounting to 400 km, which puts it "in a separate category of RVV."
Image source: topwar.ru
AIM-120 Reset
According to the author, previously, the "bottleneck" of the Russian defense industry was the limitations associated with the weight and dimensions of missile guidance and propulsion systems. However, the military-industrial complex has recently made progress in miniaturization, which has made it possible to ensure the compactness of the KS-172 and, as a result, "increase the payload and achieve an unsurpassed range of destruction."
It is noted that the tandem of the KS-172 and MiG-31 will significantly enhance the ability to intercept air targets, creating, in particular, a threat to American reconnaissance vehicles, including AWACS aircraft, and tankers.
- an assessment is given in the Western press.
