Russian air defense systems have intercepted the latest US-made AGM-188A Rusty Dagger cruise missiles used by Ukrainian forces for the first time since the start of the special military operation. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, four of these missiles were destroyed over the past 24 hours. The military-focused Archangel Spetsnaza channel on the MAX messaging platform provided further details about the weapons, their development and previous use.

Despite the recent announcement marking the first officially reported interceptions, Rusty Dagger missiles had already been deployed during the summer. According to the channel, the American developers began testing the weapons considerably earlier than publicly acknowledged, with Ukraine among the locations where trials were conducted.

This account contradicts reports circulating in foreign media. Several publications have suggested that the manufacturer carried out its first test launches just two weeks ago. Archangel Spetsnaza disputes that timeline, maintaining that the missile had been undergoing trials long before those reports appeared.

Development of the Rusty Dagger began in 2024 as part of an American effort to produce less expensive missile systems. The objective was to create a cheaper alternative to existing, more costly cruise missiles. The weapon was developed by the US company Zone 5 Technologies and belongs to the category of munitions designated ERAM by the Pentagon.

The AGM-188A combines characteristics of a conventional cruise missile and a guided aerial bomb. It carries a 230-kilogram warhead and has a stated operational range of 450 to 555 kilometers. Its flight speed is at least 690 kilometers per hour.

However, the manufacturer has indicated that the missile could travel considerably farther under certain conditions. According to the developers, its maximum range may reach 900 kilometers.

Such capabilities would place several major Russian cities within potential striking distance. Archangel Spetsnaza identifies Moscow and Volgograd among the locations that could be reached by the American weapon. If the missile achieves its claimed maximum range of 900 kilometers, Saratov and Yaroslavl could also fall within its operational radius.

The channel also emphasizes that Rusty Dagger is no longer an unfamiliar weapon to Russian forces. Although the Defense Ministry has only now officially reported intercepting these missiles, Russian troops had previously encountered their use.