Russian hypersonic attack on Dnipro highlights missile threat
The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation launched a significant attack towards Ukraine on Thursday morning, targeting Dnipro. Seven Kh-101 cruise missiles and a Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missile, launched from a MiG-31K fighter jet, were aimed at the city. Additionally, an intercontinental ballistic missile was reportedly intended to be launched.
According to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Russian military attacked the city of Dnipro with various types of rockets on the morning of November 21, reports the Ukrainian agency Unian. Russia reportedly launched an intercontinental ballistic missile from the Astrakhan Oblast, though it remains unverified what type of weapon it was or whether it was actually used. Furthermore, Moscow launched seven Kh-101 missiles and a hypersonic Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile.
Hypersonic Kinzhal
The latter is launched from MiG-31K aircraft; therefore, when the planes take off, Ukrainians announce an alert. This alert primarily results from the specifications of the Kinzhal. While intercepting the Kh-101 is not a significant challenge for Ukrainian air defence systems, the Kh-47M2 is currently one of the most dangerous weapons in the Russian arsenal (used quite regularly, moreover).
The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile boasts impressive parameters. It is approximately 7 metres long, 1 metre in diameter, and weighs up to 5,000 kilograms. It is supposed to reach speeds of up to 12,200 kilometres per hour, although more realistic assessments indicate about 9,800 kilometres per hour.
Ability to manoeuvre during flight
One of the key advantages of this missile is its ability to perform agile and complicated manoeuvres during flight, significantly complicating its interception. Thanks to its ability to avoid threats at every stage of its flight, it is considered one of the most mobile hypersonic weapons currently available.
The Kinzhal, although details of its guidance systems are shrouded in secrecy, is known for employing advanced technologies that allow precise targeting. This combination of incredible speed and manoeuvrability significantly increases its effectiveness.
When compared to other missiles, such as the Kh-101, the Kh-47m2 Kinzhal stands out not only with greater speed but also with greater manoeuvrability. While the Kh-101 reaches only about 1,000 kilometres per hour, the Kinzhal exceeds 9,800 kilometres per hour, making it a highly difficult target for missile defence systems to intercept.
Quantity and issues with Kinzhal missiles
It is unknown exactly how many Kinzhal missiles the Russian Federation has stockpiled. However, estimates from late September 2024 suggested that about 55 missiles were in Russian warehouses. Their production is estimated at two to six units per month.
It is worth noting that the Kinzhal missiles, though capable of high speeds and significant manoeuvrability, have encountered problems. In 2024 alone, the missile failed several times without exploding, indicating the presence of defects or undesirable construction features.
