K-100

The K-100 designation is commonly linked in open sources to the KS-172 or Izdeliye 172 family, a proposed very-long-range air-to-air missile intended to threaten high-value airborne support aircraft. Public reporting has connected the concept to Russian development and possible Indian Su-30MKI integration discussions. Because the program's status is opaque, it should be treated as a developmental or proposed capability rather than a clearly fielded standard missile.

Unlike short-range infrared missiles, K-100 is described as a large long-range missile intended for aircraft such as airborne early warning, tanker, jammer, or command platforms. Public sources associate it with a two-stage or boosted configuration and active radar terminal guidance concepts, but exact performance should be handled cautiously. Its size and mission imply carriage by large fighters with suitable radar, datalink, and weapons-control integration.

The operational idea behind K-100 is to force valuable support aircraft to remain farther from the battlespace. That can reduce radar coverage, tanker availability, and command-and-control effectiveness for an opposing air force. The practical challenge is equally significant: extreme-range shots require detection, identification, mid-course support, and rules-of-engagement confidence, so the missile's real effect depends on the entire fighter and sensor network rather than missile range alone.