What is Onyx Missile?

March 31, 2024

Russia’s Onyx supersonic cruise missile, which has frequently struck Ukrainian targets, is slated to get deadlier with a new target seeker.

About Onyx Missile: 

  • The P-800 Onyx, a supersonic medium-range cruise missile, is designed to combat surface ship groups, as well as to destroy ground targets in conditions of strong fire and electronic countermeasures.
  • Features:
    • Also known as Russian Brahmos, it can reach speeds of over 3,000 km/h, making it extremely difficult to intercept. 
    • Additionally, the missile operates at an altitude of 10-15 meters above land or water, further enhancing its stealth capabilities.
    • The missile has a range of up to 300 kilometers in its default trajectory and a range of 120 km in a low-altitude trajectory.
    • It can be launched from surface ships, submarines and land-based equipment. It is a self-guided munition, designed with the "shoot and forget" principle in mind.
    • Unlike some other missiles that rely on extensive target data, the Onyx missile requires minimal information about its target to strike it successfully.