Hypersonic missiles can intercept nuclear ballistic missiles

[Rick1234567S]

Can russian hypersonic missiles intercept American nuclear ballistic missles?

Yes, 

Russia

 maintains and is actively expanding a layered missile defense network that can technically intercept American nuclear ballistic missiles, though its effectiveness remains limited by scale.

Operational Capabilities (2026)

• S-500 Prometheus: Now in active service, this system uses the 77N6 series interceptors capable of reaching speeds of Mach 16–18 to destroy incoming ballistic warheads and even low-orbit satellites. It is specifically marketed by Russia to counter high-speed American weapons like the Dark Eagle.
• S-550 Strategic Defense: Entering service by 2025–2026, this mobile system is an evolution of the S-500 specialized for intercontinental-range ballistic missiles (ICBMs). It is designed to intercept targets at higher altitudes and greater distances than previous systems.
• A-235 Nudol: A specialized, mobile anti-ballistic and anti-satellite system developed to replace the older A-135. It uses non-nuclear kinetic interceptors to strike objects in orbit or descending warheads at altitudes up to 700 kilometers. 

Key Technical Limitations

• Interception Speed: While S-500 interceptors are fast, American ICBM warheads re-enter at Mach 20 or higher. Intercepting them requires near-perfect timing and tracking.
• Saturation: Even if these systems are effective, Russia currently lacks the "magazine depth" (number of available missiles) to stop a large-scale, coordinated American nuclear strike involving hundreds of warheads and decoys.
• Maneuverability: Advanced US warheads and hypersonic glide bodies can maneuver unpredictably, making it difficult for Russian radar to maintain a "lock" long enough to guide an interceptor to a successful hit. 

This information examines Russia's S-500 and Nudol missile systems, assessing their technical specifications and effectiveness against U.S. nuclear ballistic missiles

[Rick1234567S]

Proximity smaller nukes to destroy them?

Yes, using smaller nuclear warheads on interceptors to destroy incoming missiles via proximity is a technically viable strategy that Russia still employs as of 2026

. 

How it Works

• Proximity vs. Direct Hit: Unlike American "hit-to-kill" systems (like THAAD) which must physically collide with a target, nuclear-tipped interceptors use the intense blast of X-rays, neutrons, and thermal energy to neutralize a warhead without needing a direct impact.
• Neutralizing the Payload: The radiation from a nearby nuclear detonation can melt the incoming warhead's heat shield or trigger a "fizzle"—a premature, low-yield nuclear reaction that destroys the weapon's internal electronics and prevents a full detonation. 

Operational Systems (2026)

• Russia's A-135/A-235: The defense system around Moscow remains the world's only active system known to use nuclear-tipped interceptors.
  • 53T6 "Gazelle": A high-acceleration interceptor designed for the terminal phase, capable of carrying a low-yield nuclear charge to clear a path through clusters of warheads and decoys.
  • A-235 "Nudol": While newer variants test kinetic (non-nuclear) hit-to-kill technology, the system retains the capability to deploy miniaturized nuclear warheads for high-altitude or exo-atmospheric intercepts.
• S-500 Prometheus: While primarily kinetic, there is ongoing assessment that it could be adapted to carry specialized nuclear charges for "space defense" roles, such as neutralizing multiple targets or satellites simultaneously. 

Drawbacks

• Radar Blackout: A nuclear blast in the upper atmosphere creates ionized clouds (fireball-induced blackout) that can blind the defender's own radar, making it impossible to track subsequent waves of missiles.
• EMP Effects: High-altitude nuclear detonations generate an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) that can damage local electrical grids and unshielded electronics on the ground.
• Fallout: While out-of-atmosphere intercepts minimize immediate ground fallout, lower-altitude "terminal" intercepts can still scatter radioactive materials over friendly territory.