Avangard Hypersonic Glide Vehicle System

Full Specifications

Avangard Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) – Mach 27 Strategic Strike

The Avangard Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) represents one of the most significant shifts in modern strategic deterrence, introducing ultra-high speed maneuvering warheads capable of penetrating traditional missile defense networks. First revealed publicly by Russia in 2018, the system entered limited operational service in 2019, marking a milestone in the global competition for hypersonic capability.

Development Origin and Purpose

Developed by Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces and produced under the supervision of the state defense industry, Avangard was engineered to ensure a survivable nuclear delivery option against increasingly advanced interceptor systems. Its success story centers on a series of test launches — including a 2018 demonstration — where the vehicle reportedly executed atmospheric maneuvering at hypersonic velocities, reinforcing Russian claims of operability.

Capabilities and Performance

The Avangard is mounted atop a silo-launched UR-100NUTTKh (SS-19 Mod 4) ICBM, with future integration planned for the RS-28 Sarmat platform. Once boosted into the upper atmosphere, the glide vehicle detaches and descends while maneuvering at reported speeds exceeding Mach 20. Its range enables intercontinental targeting, while its payload is believed to include a nuclear warhead with an estimated yield ranging between 150 kilotons and 2 megatons.

Operational Use and Strategic Role

Designed primarily as a strategic deterrent, Avangard is not a battlefield weapon but a long-range strategic asset. Its maneuverability, unpredictable flight profile, and atmospheric glide characteristics challenge tracking and interception, positioning it as a symbol of Russia’s efforts to offset U.S. missile defense developments. For U.S. defense observers, Avangard remains a benchmark reference in shaping future hypersonic defense strategies.

Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Price

The Avangard Hypersonic Glide Vehicle System cost remains undisclosed, as it is a classified strategic nuclear asset. However, defense analysts estimate extremely high unit expense due to specialized materials, dedicated launch infrastructure, and limited production scale.