Moscow, September 14(HS): Russia has successfully tested an upgraded version of its deadly P-800 Onyx cruise missile amid escalating tensions with NATO nations. The test was conducted by the Russian Pacific Fleet, which launched the missile from the Bastion coastal defense missile system towards a target located 350 kilometers away near Paramushir Island in the strategically significant Kuril Islands chain. The missile hit its target with precision, underscoring its combat readiness and upgraded capabilities.
The P-800 Onyx missile, also known by its export name Yakhont, is a supersonic, anti-ship and land-attack cruise missile capable of being launched from land, sea, submarines, or aircraft. This missile forms the technological foundation for the Indo-Russian BrahMos missile, making the Onyx often referred to as the sister missile of BrahMos. Developed originally by Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, the BrahMos is a joint venture between India and Russia, well-known for its supersonic speed (up to Mach 3), precision strike capability, and versatile launch modes from ships, aircraft, or land platforms.
The recent Onyx test took place using the Bastion missile system, a mobile coastal defense platform that can carry multiple Onyx missiles and has been deployed by Russia on the Kuril Islands, including Paramushir. These islands, located in the Pacific Ocean between Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula and Japan’s Hokkaido island, are geopolitically sensitive due to ongoing territorial disputes between Russia and Japan. The Bastion system’s deployment reinforces Russian military posture in the region.
This missile test is occurring against the backdrop of escalating global military tensions and conflicts involving NATO powers and Russia. The Onyx missile’s upgraded version is expected to enhance Russia’s long-range anti-ship and ground-attack capabilities significantly, which may influence regional and global security dynamics.
By striking targets over 350 km away with supersonic speed and high precision, the upgraded Onyx missile ensures rapid and effective penetration of enemy defenses. Its association with the BrahMos missile program further illustrates the close military-technical cooperation between India and Russia, where BrahMos represents an advanced derivative of the Onyx platform tailored for Indian defense needs.
The continuous improvements and tests of the Onyx missile signal Russia’s commitment to maintaining and advancing its strategic weapon systems amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The Pacific Fleet’s successful test confirms the missile’s operational status and Russia’s readiness to deploy it in contested and high-stakes environments.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
