Russia stockpiles weapons for potential winter strikes on Ukraine
The Russian Federation Army is continually gathering resources for air strikes, reports the Ukrainian agency Unian. Igor Romanenko, a former deputy chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, warns that the aggressor may be gearing up for a mass strike. The strategy behind the Russians' waiting game is becoming clearer.
4:33 PM EDT, October 28, 2024
The equipment currently in Russia's arsenal has piqued the interest of many experts. Therefore, it's not surprising that the Russian Federation's occasional pauses in its attacks on Ukraine cause considerable speculation.
Moscow has halted attacks; they may be preparing for fall and winter
Recently, Ukrainian military officer Igor Romanenko observed on the Ukrainian channel TSN that Moscow has not launched mass shelling on Ukrainian territory for some time. "In recent times, we have not seen the mass deployment of missile weapons. The Russians are gathering weapons and may be preparing for the cooler autumn days to more effectively impact the moral and psychological state of Ukrainian citizens," Romanenko stated.
The military officer suggests that the strike slowdown may result from a particular tactic by the Russian Federation and issues currently affecting the local arms industry. The former deputy chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine explains that, due to the conflict in Iran and reports of damage to Iranian facilities producing ballistic missiles and drones, Russia must rely on its own reserves and factories.
Among the weapons that the Russian Federation uses for strikes on Ukraine, the Kh-101 missiles are particularly noteworthy as they are among the newest. Additionally, the Kinzhal Kh-47M2 missiles hold significant value for Moscow. Although these systems differ markedly in design, they both pose substantial threats to Ukraine.
Valuable Russian missiles
The Kinzhal Kh-47M2 is an advanced missile known for its impressive technical specifications. It is approximately 23 feet long, with a diameter of 3 feet and a mass of 9,900 pounds. Although the missile's maximum speed is estimated at 10 Mach, more realistic assessments suggest it can reach about 8 Mach, corresponding to around 6,100 mph.
The Kinzhal's most significant advantage is its ability to perform complex maneuvers during flight. This capability makes intercepting the missile significantly more challenging, rendering it one of the most agile hypersonic weapon systems. Its ability to evade threats at every stage of flight enhances its combat effectiveness, making it an exceedingly difficult target to neutralize.
On the other hand, the Kh-101 missile features the latest version with two warheads, one of which is a cluster warhead. This configuration allows for a broader strike area compared to a missile with a standard warhead. Notably, the Otblesk-U guidance module is employed. This module compares images recorded during flight with those stored in the missile's memory, resulting in strike accuracy of just a few meters.
The Kh-101 boasts an impressive range of up to 3,100 miles. However, it's worth noting that the latest upgrades might have slightly reduced this range. Nevertheless, it remains sufficient for launching missiles from secure positions within Russian territory. The maximum speed of the Kh-101 missile is approximately 620 mph.
