Russia's new nuclear missile can wipe out an army in a single salvo

According to US military intelligence, it's the fastest nuclear missile in the world, capable of reaching speeds over 7,400km/h.

It's invisible to the naked eye, yet its trajectory is feared in Western military headquarters everywhere. It travels 2 kilometres per second. On board, it carries a warhead that few countries would even consider using. Its name will never be officially uttered, but it represents a major strategic shift. Russia has just unveiled a weapon that many feared: an air-to-air nuclear missile.

The missile in question is the R-37M, known by its NATO designation as the "AA-13 Axehead". Previously a conventional munition, it has been redesigned and adapted to carry a nuclear payload. A quiet yet pivotal change. By modifying this weapon, originally intended to take down aircraft at long range, Russia is giving its fighter jets a nuclear air interception capability.

(MH with MaSi - Source: Secret Défense - Photo: © DPA - Anadolu)