A source in the military industrial complex confirmed the missile Kalibr-M cruise is under development for the Russian Navy. As well as destroying land facilities and carrying nuclear warheads, the missile can fire up to a range of 2,800 miles. The source told the state-run Tass news agency: “The newest high precision ship-based Kalibr-M cruise missile with a maximum firing range of more than 4,500km (2,800 miles) is being developed for the Russian Navy.”
The source said the creation of the rocket is still in scientific stages.
“The creation of the rocket is at the stage of scientific research and financed by the Ministry of Defence.”
The source also said the development of the missile was included in the state armament program until 2027 with the rocket needing to be “transferred to the fleet before the end of the program.”
According to the source the missile will not be the same as existing Kalibr missiles currently in service.
The missile will differ because of its longer range and dimensions.
The source said: “It will be much larger, the weight of its warhead will approach 1 tonne.”
The source said large surface ships will be equipped with the missile, starting with frigates and nuclear submarines.
It was recently revealed the US has offered to sell £2.7 billion missiles to its Nato ally Turkey in an attempt to stop the nation from purchasing an anti-aircraft missiles system from Russia.
Turkish state media revealed the news and said Turkish defence and foreign affairs ministers are having discussions with the US over the purchase of US patriot missiles.
Turkey was planning on buying a S-400 anti-aircraft missile system from Russia even though the US and NATO allies warned it could pose security risks if integrated with Western systems.
In a fringe panel discussion at a NATO summit in July 2018, Turkeys foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said he chose to purchase the system from Russia as he could not get a similar one from the West.
Mr Çavuşoğlu said: “I couldn’t buy from Nato allies so Russia gave me the best proposal and now I’m buying from Russia.”
The S-400 is thought to have the ability to protect against ballistic missiles and a stealth aircraft.