7 Deadliest Soviet Era Weapons

The Soviet era was a time of significant military development, with the Soviet Union producing some of the deadliest and most feared weapons of the 20th century. From iconic tanks to devastating nuclear missiles, the Soviet arsenal was a force to be reckoned with. Here, we'll explore seven of the deadliest Soviet era weapons that left an indelible mark on the world.

1. R-36M2 Voevoda Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

The R-36M2 Voevoda was a behemoth of a missile, standing over 32 meters tall and weighing over 210 tons. With a range of over 10,000 kilometers, this intercontinental ballistic missile was capable of delivering a 20-megaton nuclear warhead to any target on the planet. The R-36M2 was the most powerful land-based missile ever built, and its massive payload made it a formidable deterrent.

2. Tu-95 Bear Strategic Bomber

The Tu-95 Bear is a iconic strategic bomber that served as the backbone of the Soviet nuclear deterrent. With its distinctive swept wings and turboprop engines, the Tu-95 was capable of delivering nuclear-armed cruise missiles and gravity bombs to targets deep within enemy territory. The Tu-95 remains in service to this day, a testament to its durability and effectiveness.

Key Features:

Range: over 15,000 kilometers
Payload: up to 20 tons
Speed: over 575 km/h

3. T-55 Main Battle Tank

The T-55 was a revolutionary main battle tank that dominated the battlefield for decades. With its 100mm smoothbore cannon and rugged reliability, the T-55 was a force to be reckoned with. Produced in massive numbers, the T-55 saw action in numerous conflicts, including the Vietnam War and the Soviet-Afghan War.

Key Features:

Crew: 4
Armor: up to 200mm
Top Speed: over 50 km/h

4. Mi-24 Hind Attack Helicopter

The Mi-24 Hind was a behemoth of an attack helicopter, designed to provide close air support to Soviet ground forces. With its 30mm cannon and anti-tank missiles, the Mi-24 was a deadly foe on the battlefield. The Mi-24 saw extensive action in Afghanistan and remains in service with numerous countries around the world.

Key Features:

Crew: 2
Armor: up to 30mm
Top Speed: over 310 km/h

5. SS-20 Saber Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile

The SS-20 Saber was a highly mobile and accurate intermediate-range ballistic missile, capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to targets deep within Europe. With its range of over 5,000 kilometers, the SS-20 posed a significant threat to NATO forces and played a key role in the Euromissile Crisis of the 1980s.

Key Features:

Range: over 5,000 kilometers
Payload: up to 150 kilotons
CEP: 150 meters

6. Akula-Class Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine

The Akula-Class submarine was a formidable nuclear-powered attack submarine, designed to hunt down and destroy enemy ships and submarines. With its advanced sensors and quiet propulsion system, the Akula-Class was a stealthy and deadly foe. The Akula-Class remains in service with the Russian Navy to this day.

Key Features:

Displacement: over 14,000 tons
Speed: over 28 knots
Armament: 20 torpedoes and missiles

7. BM-30 Smerch Multiple Rocket Launcher

The BM-30 Smerch was a highly mobile and deadly multiple rocket launcher, capable of delivering a salvo of 300mm rockets to targets over 70 kilometers away. With its advanced fire control system and high rate of fire, the BM-30 was a game-changer on the battlefield. The BM-30 remains in service with the Russian military and has seen action in numerous conflicts.

Key Features:

Range: over 70 kilometers
Payload: up to 20 rockets
Rate of Fire: 12 rounds per minute

These seven Soviet era weapons were some of the deadliest and most feared of their time, and their legacy continues to shape the modern military landscape. From the mighty R-36M2 Voevoda to the stealthy Akula-Class submarine, each of these weapons played a significant role in the Cold War and beyond.