Russia closes airspace over Kapustin Yar range amid possible missile tests

 Russia has closed the airspace over the Kapustin Yar testing range in the Astrakhan region from August 4 to 8, according to a NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) cited by the Russian outlet Voennoe Obozrenie.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented on the flight restriction. However, some Russian sources suggest that tests of the new "Oreshnik" missile complex may be carried out this week. There is also speculation that new surface-to-air missile systems — possibly the S-400 or S-500 — could be tested at the range.

The closure follows Russia's announcement of the end of its self-imposed moratorium on the deployment of intermediate- and shorter-range missiles. The Foreign Ministry declared that Moscow no longer considers itself bound by prior limitations, citing the "disappearance of conditions" that had justified the unilateral restraint.

Shortly after, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev posted on social media platform X that Russia’s "opponents will have to face a new reality," adding: “Expect further steps.”