In Russia, Valerian Sobolev, a prominent engineer and scientist, has died at the age of 87. He passed away in his home city of Volgograd after struggling with an illness. Sobolev was well-known for his significant contributions to missile and strategic systems, including the Iskander cruise missile and the Topol intercontinental ballistic missile systems. His work played a vital role in the USSR’s and now Russia’s nuclear capabilities, marking him as a key figure in defense engineering. A native of Stalingrad, now Volgograd, Sobolev was born in 1938 and graduated from the Stalingrad Mechanical Institute in 1960. Initially starting his career as a tractor engineer, he transitioned into the defense sector where he ultimately became the chief designer at the Titan Design Bureau, a subsidiary of Russian space agency Roscosmos. Over his distinguished career, he led numerous projects, contributing not only to military applications but also other fields such as housing construction and aerospace technologies. Sobolev held over 190 invention copyrights and patents, showcasing his innovation within the engineering community. Throughout his life, he received numerous accolades, including the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, the USSR State Prize, and the Lenin Prize, reflecting his achievements and recognition within the scientific community. His work has been particularly noted in recent conflicts, with upgraded versions of Iskander missiles being used prominently in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Beyond his engineering roles, Sobolev was also involved in governance, holding various regional and national posts from 1989 to 1996. His death marks the loss of a pivotal figure in the Russian defense industry, whose legacy will continue to influence missile technology and strategic defense. The news of his passing will resonate deeply within the engineering and scientific communities, as well as commemorating the contributions he made throughout his long and impactful career.