Ukraine captures valuable wreckage of a deadly Russian missile launched from the Su-35 and MiG-31 as its most advanced armament. The new R-37 long-ranged missile has terrorized the Ukrainian forces, seen on social media posts on February 12.
Russian R-37M Missile Seized
Even if the RuAF cannot go in deep, this missile can attack long-range without becoming targets of portable air defense or SAM batteries. Ukrainian jets were picked off easily by these standoff missiles with ease, reported Eurasian Times.
Finding the remains of the R-37 intact by the AFU and western allies will allow for analysis of it, according to Military Today.
The R-37M is an advanced air-to-air missile that hits targets about 300 kilometers. Targets include planes, cruise missiles, and helicopters, which keep the attacker at a safe distance from retaliation. Equipping it with a guidance system that adds to its lethality, it engages close to the end of the flight. Next is a radio correction and the radar homer to seek out its target.
It is powered by a two-mode solid fuel engine to drive into its targets. Armed with a high-fragmentation explosive, it will obliterate Ukrainian jets upon impact.
Russian Missile Features
As heavy as 1,124 pounds and as big as the R-33, the R-37M has twice the range with a dual pulse solid propellant motor and updated missile configuration, citing Defense Blog.
Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) released a statement concerning the initial use of the AA missile last November in 2022. The R-37M was allegedly fired by a Su-35S that destroyed a Ukrainian jet.
Vympel, which developed the missile that includes all variants of all air-to-air missiles, builds the R-37M that was first started in the early 2000s.
One of the first fighters to use this weapon was the MiG-31 Foxhound fighter jet, which was adapted to be equipped on the Sukhoi series. It can be mounted on the Su-30, Su-35, and Su-57 Felon stealth fighters. Air-launched by the Su-35 and MiG-31 to attack Ukrainian targets consistently, the Daily Mail added that at 200 to 300 kilometers, it almost flies at hypersonic speed to its target.
Amazing air-to-air kills by the Foxhound cruising at higher altitudes using the Vympel R-37M in pinpoint attacks, scoring hits on targets beyond the line of sight. The missile works best at 80 miles away, compared to the Ukraine Su-27 equipped with the Vympel R-27 that hits 50 kilometers far. The distance of the MiG-31 is a leading edge and a sure kill.
Last November, a RUSI report stated that the VKS, Russian Air Force, fired six Vympel missiles in October at fast speed and long range with a homing warhead to see a low-altitude target hit.
Combat air patrols of the MiG-31 and Su-35 aircraft sniping the UAF jets made it dangerous for pilots. Four R-37M could be mounted on Su-35S wings, two on each and two on the underside. Izvestia in a report on how RuAF jets killed Ukrainian planes with the R-37M. Even the Su-57 has fired the same missile as well.
Wreckage of the notorious long-range Russian missile the R-37, taken by Ukraine and its backers, shows a keen interest by the west as the Kremlin rolls out these deadly weapons.
