Why the 450km Range Debate Misses the Point
Another unserious criticism has emerged: why 450km and not 500km?
Because real militaries do not fight PowerPoint wars.
Missiles are rarely employed at brochure maximum range. Operational planners prioritize:
Fuel margins
Flight profile optimization
Terminal maneuver energy retention
Reduced interception windows
Launch survivability positioning
A 450km-class missile with maneuverability, precision guidance, and hypersonic terminal characteristics can be more lethal in practice than a longer-ranged but less survivable design.