August 30, 2026, 3:02 pm
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While there is a natural (and important) tendency to focus on newer systems like drones, a quick look at recent conflicts (and potential future ones) has confirmed the relevance a much older weapon – the conventional ballistic missile.
Russia has been using them to great effect against Ukraine while the Ukrainians have been pushing hard to acquire more of their own.
Iran has made extensive use of them, and the U.S.A reportedly used many of their own against Iranian targets.
Then in Asia, you have extensive developments by the PRC, duelling programs on the Korean peninsula, all while back in Europe, NATO states are putting billions on the table to expand their own long range strike capabilities.
So today, let’s talk about why, after a bit of a lull post 1991, military planners are increasingly looking at their budgets and war plans and choosing to go ballistic.
Patreon:
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Reading and Sourcing (partial):
Report on claimed Russian use of the enhanced Iskander 1000
https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-says-russia-fired-longer-range-iskander-1000-missile-2026-8
CSIS Missile Threat Data:
DF-16
DF-17 (HGV)
DF-26
Iskander:
KN-23
Project Nightfall Reporting
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-to-develop-new-deep-strike-ballistic-missile-for-ukraine
(source for the higher initial specifications claim – this is not referenced in the UK source above)
https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/07/16/8044348/
Lockheed Martin PRSM
https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/precision-strike-missile.html
Report on claimed ATACMS & PRSM expenditure by US against Iran
https://www.reuters.com/world/us-has-used-virtually-all-its-long-range-precision-missiles-during-iran-war-2026-08-04/
US Army Justification Book (Missiles) FY 2027
https://www.asafm.army.mil/Portals/72/Documents/BudgetMaterial/2027/Discretionary%20Budget/Procurement/Missile%20Procurement%20Army.pdf
South China Morning Post on Fire Dragon 480
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3267237/pla-study-suggests-chinas-fire-dragon-missiles-could-sink-us-warships
Hyunmoo V Reporting
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/23/south-korea-monster-missile-hyunmoo-5-balance-power-north
IISS on Hyunmoo V
https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/missile-dialogue-initiative/2024/10/south-koreas-hyunmoo-5-breaks-cover/
IISS – Turkey’s Missile Odyssey (including commentary on CENK)
https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/missile-dialogue-initiative/2026/04/turkiyes-missile-odyssey/
2022 reporting on Indonesian purchase of Turkish TBMs
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2022/11/08/indonesia-to-be-first-foreign-user-of-turkeys-khan-missile-system/
Tayfun Block 3 strike on maritime target in testing
Türkiye’s TAYFUN Block-3 ASBM Scores Direct Hit on Moving Sea Target
Reporting on Turkish ICBM concept
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/5/7/turkiye-unveils-its-first-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-what-we-know
Caveats & Comments:
Nothing in this episode should be taken to represent an opinion or advice on any legal matter, including with regards to the potential application of domestic or international law to any of the events described or alluded to.
All normal caveats and comments apply. In particular – I would like to note as always that this material has been created for entertainment purposes and is not intended to be a complete or comprehensive examination of the topic in question and should not be relied upon to inform financial or other similar decisions.
Any content relating to the conduct, views, activities or any aspect of any person or character in this video is included for entertainment purposes and does not represent an assertion of fact on those matters or any matters in relation to that person or character.
Care has been taken in compiling data, quotes, and other inputs from various sources but errors can occur. Quotes and included data should be considered illustrative, not definitive and their veracity should not be relied on.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 — Intro
00:01:18 — What Am I Talking About?
00:03:17 — History
00:08:20 — the Pitch
00:11:05 — Modern Developments
00:18:35 — Emerging Programs – Russia & China
00:28:21 — Emerging Programs – the United States
00:32:06 — Emerging Programs – Europe
00:43:11 — Emerging Programs – ROK
00:51:57 — Strategic Implications
00:56:16 — Channel Update
Content Creator – Perun
