Russia's Use of Kinzhal Missiles in Ukraine

On October 9, 2024, the Russian Defense Ministry reported a group strike using Kinzhal hypersonic missiles against Ukrainian infrastructure, claiming significant damage and releasing videos that showed the attacks. This raises concerns about new military technologies and their impact on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

What is a Kinzhal Hypersonic Missile?

The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is an advanced air-launched missile first introduced by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2018. It is part of Russia’s hypersonic weapon program, created to counter threats after the U.S. left the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 2002.

What are the Key Features?

1. Capabilities: Can bypass advanced defense systems, making it a powerful tool for Russia.
2. Combat Use: First used in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine in March 2022.

Development and Technical Details:

1. Testing: The missile began trials in December 2017 and is deployed on MiG-31 fighter jets, chosen for their speed and stealth.
2. Range: The Kinzhal can hit targets 1,500 to 2,000 km away.
3. Speed: It can reach speeds of Mach 4 (about 4,900 km/h) and can go up to Mach 10 (around 12,350 km/h).
4. Design:
   1. Length: 8 meters
   2. Diameter: 1 meter
   3. Weight: 4,300 kg
   4. Payload: Can carry up to 480 kg of either nuclear or regular explosives.

Flight Characteristics: The missile has:

1. A low radar signature, making it harder to detect.
2. The ability to change targets during flight, increasing its effectiveness.

Combat Operations in Ukraine:

The Kinzhal has been used effectively against Ukrainian targets:

1. March 2022: Destroyed a missile storage site in Delyatin, Ivano-Frankivsk region, showing its ability to hit well-protected targets.
2. September 2023: Used by a Su-34 bomber in an operation, confirming its role in Russia's military strategy.

Controversies and Challenges:

Despite claims of being unstoppable:

1. May 2022: Ukrainian forces shot down a Kinzhal missile using the U.S.-made Patriot air defense system.
2. May 2023: Reports indicated that Ukrainian forces intercepted multiple Kinzhal missiles in one night, challenging the missile’s effectiveness.

Conclusion:

The use of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles highlights the growing power of military technology in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. With its ability to deliver strong strikes and evade traditional defenses, the Kinzhal poses a serious challenge for Ukrainian forces. This situation shows the important link between technology and strategy in modern warfare.

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