Russian Telegram channels have released a video apparently showing a failed launch of an UR-100N intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with an Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle.

Source: Ukrainian military media outlet Militarnyi, citing the video

Details: Russian media outlet Astra reported that a cloud of purple smoke rose over the city of Yasny in Orenburg Oblast, home to the Yasny launch site. Local residents claimed that the missile exploded in the air due to a failed launch.

Yasny hosts the missile unit of the 13th Orenburg Red Banner Rocket Division of Russia's Strategic Rocket Forces.

It is one of 11 locations in Russia from which long-range ground-launched missiles, including those with nuclear warheads, can be fired.

Militarnyi analysed the video and stated that an explosion occurred on board the missile during flight, causing it to lose control and crash to the ground. The remaining unspent rocket fuel then ignited.

The large orange cloud produced indicates that the missile used liquid fuel.

Quote: "It is known that Soviet R-36M2 Voyevoda intercontinental ballistic missiles were used at this missile site. Starting in 2019, they began to be replaced by the Avangard missile system equipped with a guided hypersonic warhead.

In 2022, one of the regiments of the 13th Division was rearmed with the Avangard system."

Details: The Avangard warhead can potentially be carried by two missiles: the Soviet-era UR-100N and the Russian RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile.

However, the use of the RS-28 Sarmat is considered unlikely, as even though Russia claimed that it entered service in 2023, it has continued to suffer numerous catastrophic failures during test launches.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon !