What is the difference between a hypersonic missile and ICBM?

After Ukraine claimed Russia had used an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in a recent attack, Moscow clarified that it was instead an experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). The strike targeted the city of Dnipro as tensions in the 33-month conflict continue to rise.

In a televised statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the use of a new missile system, “Oreshnik”, which he described as carrying hypersonic equipment. “Russia reserves the right to use weapons against military targets in countries that allow attacks on Russian soil,” Putin said.

He added that the launch was in response to Ukraine’s use of Western-made long-range weapons against Russian territory.

Kyiv initially identified the missile as an ICBM based on its speed and trajectory.

“Today there was a new Russian missile. All characteristics – speed, altitude – are (of an) intercontinental ballistic missile,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, calling for an international response.

US officials disputed Ukraine’s claims and identified the missile as an intermediate-range IRBM with hypersonic capabilities. The Pentagon said it was an RS-26 “Rubezh” road-mobile ballistic missile with a MIRV payload of six conventional warheads.

Putin confirmed that it was a non-nuclear weapon, saying: “In response to the use of American and British long-range weapons, on November 21 this year, the Russian Armed Forces carried out a combined attack on one of Ukraine’s military-industrial complexes.”

Hypersonic missiles vs. ICBMs: Key Differences

Both hypersonic missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) represent cutting-edge military technology, but they are designed for different purposes and operate using different mechanisms.

Hypersonic missiles are known for their exceptional speed, traveling in excess of Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) and their ability to maneuver mid-flight, making them incredibly difficult to detect and intercept. ICBMs achieve similar speeds but follow a highly curved ballistic trajectory with limited maneuverability during their descent.

When it comes to payloads, ICBMs are primarily used to deliver nuclear warheads over large intercontinental distances. Many are equipped with multiple independently targeted reentry vehicles (MIRVs), enabling a single missile to hit multiple targets simultaneously. Hypersonic missiles, on the other hand, are often deployed for precision strikes on critical targets and can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads.

Experts point to range as a key differentiator in recent tests. ICBMs are designed for global range, with ranges in excess of 5,500 kilometers (about 3,418 miles). In contrast, IRBMs like the one tested by Russia have a shorter range of 1,800 to 5,500 kilometers (about 1,118 to 3,418 miles), limiting their use to regional targets.

The wider context

The missile launch follows Ukraine’s recent use of US-supplied ATACMS and UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles against targets inside Russia. Earlier this week, the Biden administration authorized Ukraine to use US-supplied, long-range missiles to strike deeper into Russia, a move that drew an angry response from Moscow.

Days later, Ukraine fired several of the missiles into Russia, according to the Kremlin. That same day, Putin signed a new doctrine that allows for a potential nuclear response even to a conventional attack on Russia by any nation backed by a nuclear power.