Russia used the Kinzhal hypersonic missile for the first time in Ukraine

RT radio quoted Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov as saying that the complex hypersonic missile Kinzhal destroyed an underground storage of missiles and aircraft ammunition of the Ukrainian army in the village of Delyatyn, near the city of Ivano-Frankivsk, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast.

Igor Konashenkov announced that the attack with an air-launched missile system took place on 19/34.

This is the first time Russia has used this missile system in Special military operation in Ukraine.

Kinzhal is Russia’s newest aviation missile complex, which includes MiG-31K combat aircraft and Kh-47M Kinzhal hypersonic missile. Kinzhal in Russian means “blade”. Kh-47M Kinzhal has a range of 1,500-2,000 km, a speed of Mach 10 (10 times faster than the speed of sound).

(Photo: Russian Aerospace Forces)

After being launched from the aircraft platform, the Kinzhal rocket accelerates to 4,900 km/h (Mach 4) and can reach a maximum speed of 12,350 km/h (Mach 10). Russia’s new hypersonic missile can carry conventional or nuclear warheads, with a payload of up to 480 kg.

Choosing the MiG-31 as the basis for Kinzhal is considered reasonable. This Soviet-developed supersonic long-range interceptor fighter is capable of all-weather combat. The Kinzhal hypersonic missile is said to be able to penetrate any existing air defense system thanks to moving at maximum speed and continuously maneuvering throughout the flight.

Russian President Vladimir Putin first announced information about Kinzhal on March 1, 2018. He called it an “ideal” weapon that could penetrate missile defense systems. This aviation missile complex is said to have been put into service in the Southern Military District of Russia and will appear in the remaining military regions in the near future.

(Photo: Russian Aerospace Forces)

The Russian Ministry of Defense lists Kinzhal as one of six new-generation Russian weapons and belongs to the category of “unrivaled in the same category”. With a good depth attack ability, the Kinzhal air defense complex will give the Russian army a great advantage if war breaks out.

The US, China, Russia and India have recently invested heavily in the research and development of hypersonic weapons, with two main versions: hypersonic missiles and hypersonic gliders. .

The US and many other countries also have systems that specialize in intercepting cruise and ballistic missiles. However, the ability to destroy hypersonic missiles is still an open question because the missile has a very fast flight speed and flexible trajectory.

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