Novator R-172 (missile)

A new Russian long-range air-to-air missile, the Novator R-172, was originally defined as an "AWACS-killer", or, in general, a means of attacking well-defended high-value assets such as tanker and C3I-ISR aircraft. It has also been known as the KS-172, a derivative of the R-37 (missile) With and without a booster stage, a range of 160 or 215 nmi has been claimed. The missile will use the Irbis, or Irbis-E, X-band PESA radar.

Definitely destined for the Su-35 (fighter), which is meant to be competitive in the export market, the missile may be integrated with Indian Su-30 (fighter) aircraft.

There are similarities between the R-172 and the experimental U.S. Network Centric Airborne Defense Element (missile) (NCADE). While NCADE is initially intended as an air-launched anti-ballistic missile, it could also be used against high value assets. In like manner, the R-172 potentially could be adapted to an ABM role.