Support The Moscow Times!

Russia Tests New Arctic Anti-Aircraft Missiles at Novaya Zemlya

The first two vehicles with the new Tor-M2DT missiles have arrived in Russia's Arctic.

Russian Defense Ministry

First unveiled at the Victory Day Parade on Moscow's Red Square in 2017, the Tor-M2DT vehicles with anti-aircraft missiles were specifically designed to be used in Russia's Arctic regions.

This week, two of the vehicles were brought to the southern shores of Novaya Zemlya on board the Northern Fleet’s Kondapoga amphibious ship sailing from the Kola Peninsula, the navy’s press service in Severomorsk reported.

Shootings were carried out on target drones flying at different altitudes, both within sight and while hidden behind clouds.

The Tor-M2DT missile system is capable of detecting up to 40 moving aerial targets at a range of 15 kilometers and at altitudes of 12,000 meters. The system plays a vital role in Russia’s re-armament of the Arctic, including protection of new bases at Franz Josef Land, Novaya Zemlya, Severnaya Zemlya, the New Siberian Islands and Wrangle Island. All of the islands and archipelagos are along the Northern Sea Route.

The all-terrain system consists of two wagons. The first is the track and steering, while the second consists of radar and missiles launchers. Designed to work in the Arctic's difficult weather conditions, the missiles can function at temperatures as low as minus 50 degrees Celsius.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more