KS-172 Missile Enters Service: Russia Boosts Air Combat Capabilities

The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) have reportedly integrated the KS-172 ultra-long-range air-to-air missile into their arsenal, capable of striking targets at distances of up to 400 kilometers. This announcement, made on May 23, 2025, by Army Recognition, references a statement from the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). However, it is important to note that official confirmation from UAC is still pending.

The KS-172 missile, often dubbed the “AWACS killer,” has a storied development history that began in 1991. Originally conceived from the 9M83 cruise missile of the S-300V air defense system, the project faced interruptions due to economic challenges. Although efforts to revive the missile in the 2000s did not yield serial production, sources suggest that the KS-172 may now be approaching operational readiness. With a reported range of 400 kilometers and a 50-kilogram warhead, the missile’s specifications are noteworthy. If it incorporates design features from the upgraded 9M83M/4 surface-to-air missile from the S-300V4, as speculated, its range could extend to 500 kilometers, positioning the KS-172 as a formidable competitor against Western counterparts.

The missile is designed for use with the MiG-31BM interceptors, which can reportedly carry up to four KS-172 missiles. The MiG-31 has undergone significant upgrades in recent years, previously utilizing R-37M missiles with a range of up to 300 kilometers. The introduction of the KS-172 enhances the VKS’s operational capabilities, allowing Russia to engage high-priority targets, such as AWACS aircraft, from distances that exceed the reach of most modern missiles.

Comparatively, the American AIM-174B missile, derived from the SM-6 surface-to-air missile with a range of approximately 370 kilometers, and the Chinese PL-17, which shares similar specifications, may find themselves at a disadvantage. The KS-172 could potentially shift the balance in strategic aerial operations, underscoring Russia’s ambitions in achieving air dominance.

Military experts from around the world will be closely monitoring the implications of this advanced missile system on global defense dynamics.