53T6

The 53T6 (NATO reporting name: ABM-3 Gazelle, previously SH-08) is a Russian anti-ballistic missile. Designed in the early 1980s and in service since 1995, it is a component of the A-135 anti-ballistic missile system.

The missile is able to intercept incoming re-entry vehicles at a distance of up to 100 km. The 53T6 is a two-stage solid-propellant missile armed with a 10 kt nuclear warhead. The missile is about 10 meters in length and 1 meter in diameter. Its launch weight is 10 tons.

The 53T6 missile is kept in a silo-based launch container. Prior to launch its cover is blown off.

It is normally tested once a year; it was last tested in October 2012.

Radar support
The Gazelle missile system is supported by the Don-2N Pill Box radar.

Related US missiles

 * Nike Zeus
 * Sprint (missile)
 * Spartan (missile)

Treaties

 * Strategic Defense Initiative
 * Strategic Arms Limitation Talks
 * Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty