In the early 1960s the development of new nuclear-capable strategic bombers came into a virtual halt in the Soviet Union, with the focus being shifted on nuclear ballistic missiles and developing cruise missiles for existing aircraft.

Originally designed to be carried on the Tu-22 "Blinder", it was primarily mounted on the Tu-16 "Badger",[3] the Tu-22M "Backfire" and Tu-95M "Bear" aircraft as well.

[2] The missile had a maximum range of 400 km (250 mi) and cruise speed of Mach 3 when released from high altitude and 250 km (160 mi) range and cruise speed of Mach 2 when launched at low altitude.

[2] In June 1991, it was estimated that the Soviet Union had 300 missiles carried on Badger-G bombers.

[1] Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the remaining missiles were used by Russia and possibly Ukraine until 1994.