Russia unleashes hypersonic strike on Ukraine's Dnipro
The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation launched a massive attack on Ukraine on Thursday morning. The target was Dnipro – seven Kh-101 cruise missiles and a Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missile were launched from a MiG-31K fighter jet aimed at the city. Additionally, an intercontinental ballistic missile was reportedly supposed to be launched.
1:34 PM EST, November 21, 2024
According to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Russian military attacked the city of Dnipro with various types of rockets on the morning of November 21, as reported by the Ukrainian agency Unian. Russia reportedly launched an intercontinental ballistic missile from the Astrakhan Oblast, but it cannot be verified what type of weapon it was or whether it was actually used. Moscow also struck with seven Kh-101 missiles and one hypersonic Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile.
Hypersonic Kinzhal
The Kinzhal is launched from MiG-31K aircraft – therefore, when these planes take off, Ukrainians announce an alert. This alert primarily stems from the specifications of the Kinzhal. While intercepting the Kh-101 is relatively manageable for Ukrainian air defense systems, the Kh-47M2 is currently one of the most dangerous weapons in the Russian arsenal and is used quite regularly.
The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile boasts impressive specifications. It is approximately 23 feet long, 3 feet in diameter, and weighs up to 5 tons. It is supposed to reach speeds of up to 7,600 mph, although more realistic assessments suggest about 6,100 mph.
Ability to maneuver during flight
One of the key advantages of this missile is its ability to perform agile and complicated maneuvers during flight, significantly complicating its interception. This capability to avoid threats at every stage of flight makes it one of the most versatile hypersonic weapons currently available.
The Kinzhal, despite details of its guidance systems being shrouded in secrecy, is known for employing advanced technologies that enable precise targeting. This combination of incredible speed and maneuverability significantly increases its effectiveness.
When comparing the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal to other missiles, such as the Kh-101, it stands out not only because of its greater speed but also its superior maneuverability. While the Kh-101 travels at approximately 620 mph, the Kinzhal exceeds 6,100 mph, making it an extremely challenging target for missile defense systems to intercept.
Quantity and issues with Kinzhal missiles
The exact number of Kinzhal missiles in the Russian Federation's stockpile is unknown. However, estimates from the end of September 2024 suggested that about 55 such missiles were in Russian warehouses at that time. Their production is estimated to be between two to six units per month.
It is worth noting that the Kinzhal missiles, although capable of high speeds and significant maneuverability, have faced issues in the past. In 2024 alone, the missile failed several times without exploding, indicating potential defects or undesirable construction features.
