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Missile ABM-1 Galosh (ABM-1 Galosh)

Soviet anti-ballistic missile, deployed from 1978 to the 1990s, using radar command guidance.

Range
350km
Max speed
4,900km/h
Produced
64units
Technical Specifications
WarheadThermonuclear
Nuclear yield2.5 Mt
Diameter2,570 mm (101.2 in)
Span6,000 mm (236.2 in)
Length19,800 mm (779.5 in)
Flight altitude120,000 m (393,701 ft)
Weight32,700 kg (72,091 lb)
Range 350 km (217 mi)
Max. speed4,900 km/h (Mach 4.9)
ABM-1 Galosh scale diagram
ABM-1 Galosh โ€” Surface-to-Air 1.75 m 19.80 m
Range
350 km
Speed
Mach 4.9
Weight
32.7 t
Nuclear Blast Simulator

See what a 2.5 Mt strike from the ABM-1 Galosh would do to a real city: set ground zero anywhere on Earth and map the fireball, blast, thermal and radiation rings.

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Description

The ABM-1 Galosh was an anti-ballistic missile developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War era. It was designed to intercept incoming Intercontinental ballistic missiles as part of a missile defense shield protecting Moscow.

The Galosh was first deployed in the 1970s as part of the A-35 anti-ballistic missile system safeguarding Moscow. It utilized a high-speed two-stage interception missile launched from silos around the city. The Galosh missile was equipped with a nuclear warhead to destroy incoming nuclear warheads through overlapping blasts.

At its peak, dozens of Galosh missiles were operational in silos surrounding Moscow as the capital's last line of defense against nuclear attack. The Galosh remained in service through the Cold War until the A-35 system was decommissioned in the 1990s after the fall of the Soviet Union. It was an example of Cold War defenses against nuclear attack and deterrence through mutual assured destruction strategies. The Galosh missile itself was limited in interception capability compared to modern systems but reflected the state of technology at the time it was created.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of missile is the ABM-1 Galosh?
The ABM-1 Galosh (NATO reporting name: ABM-1 Galosh) is a surface-to-air missile developed by Russia and the Ex-USSR. It entered service in 1972.
What is the range of the ABM-1 Galosh?
The ABM-1 Galosh has a maximum range of approximately 350 km (217 miles). Effective range varies with launch platform, altitude, and flight profile.
How fast is the ABM-1 Galosh?
The ABM-1 Galosh reaches a maximum speed of 4,900 km/h (Mach 4.0).
What warhead does the ABM-1 Galosh carry?
The ABM-1 Galosh carries a thermonuclear warhead.
How is the ABM-1 Galosh guided?
The ABM-1 Galosh uses radar command guidance.
Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and other open sources. Last updated on 13 August 2026. Suggest a change
Latest Data Updates
  1. AUG 132026 Updated Corrected the service entry year (1972)
  2. AUG 52026 Updated Summary text and service status updated
  3. JUL 232026 Updated Sources and cross-references refreshed
  4. APR 282026 Updated Category updated
  5. FEB 72026 Updated Warhead yield updated
  6. JAN 252026 Updated Range and max speed updated
  7. JAN 192026 Updated Span, altitude and 4 more fields added