Kh-47M2 Kinzhal

The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal ("dagger") is a Russian nuclear-capable air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM).[8] It has a claimed range of more than 2,000 km (1,200 mi), Mach 10 speed, and an ability to perform evasive maneuvers at every stage of its flight. It can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads[9] and can be launched from Tu-22M3 bombers or MiG-31K interceptors. It has been deployed at airbases in Russia's Southern Military District.[10]

Kh-47M2 Kinzhal
A Kh-47M2 Kinzhal ALBM being carried by a Mikoyan MiG-31K interceptor.
TypeAir-launched ballistic missile
Place of originRussia
Service history
In serviceIn production
Used byRussian Aerospace Forces
Production history
DesignerRussian Defense Ministry[1]
ManufacturerRussian Defense Ministry
Produced2017–present
Specifications
WarheadNuclear (100-500 kT) or HE fragmentation
Warhead weight500 kg[2]
PropellantSolid-propellant rocket[2]
Operational
range
  • 2000+ km (MiG-31K)[3]
  • 3000 km (Tu-22M3)
Flight ceiling20 km (65,617 ft)[2]
Maximum speed Mach 10–Mach 12 (12,250–14,701 km/h; 7,612–9,134 mph)[4]
Guidance
system
INS with the possibility of adjustments from GLONASS, remote control and optical homing system[2]
Accuracy1 m[2]
Launch
platform

The Kinzhal entered service in December 2017 and is one of the six new Russian strategic weapons unveiled by Russian President Vladimir Putin on 1 March 2018.[11][12]

Design

The missile is designed to target US and NATO warships posing a threat to strategic missile systems in Russia’s European part and to destroy NATO missile defence system and ballistic missile defense ships and land objects close to Russia borders, such as one in Romania. It is allegedly designed to overcome any known or planned US air or missile defense systems including MIM-104 Patriot, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense and Aegis Combat System.[13][14][15][16].

The missile first stage is probably shared with 9K720 Iskander and the guidance section is specifically designed for this missile. It is capable of attacking fixed and movable targets such as aircraft carriers.[17] The missile accelerates to hypersonic speed within seconds of launch[18] and performs maneuvers at all stages of the flight trajectory to evade enemy missile defenses.

Russian media claims the missile's range will be 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi; 1,100 nmi) when carried by the MiG-31K and 3,000 kilometres (1,900 mi; 1,600 nmi) when carried by the Tu-22M3.[19]

American commentators have been skeptical about Russian claims about the weapon.[20]

Operational history

The first operational unit armed with the hypersonic Kinzhal missiles was formed in Southern Military District of Russia in December 2017.

In May 2018, ten MiG-31Ks capable of using Kinzhal missiles were on experimental combat duty and ready to be deployed.[21]

By December 2018, aircraft armed with Kinzhal missiles have conducted 89 patrol flights over the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.[22]

By February 2019, crews of the MiG-31K attack aircraft in role of Kinzhal missile carriers have performed more than 380 training flights with the missile, of which at least 70 have been carried with mid-air refueling.[17][23][24]

The weapon made its public debut during the Aviadarts international contest in August 2019.[25]

According to TASS, the first launch of Kinzhal in the Arctic took place mid-November, 2019. Reportedly, the launch was carried out by a MiG-31K from Olenya air base. The missile hit a ground target at "Pemboy" proving ground, reaching the speed of Mach 10.[26]

Operators
 Russia
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See also

References
  1. "Kh-47M2 Kinzhal ("Dagger") – Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance".
  2. Alexey Leonkov (2018-05-23). "Hypersonic Dagger Throw: competitors are still in diapers". zvezdaweekly.ru. Retrieved 2018-05-24.
  3. Victor Baranets (2018-03-01). ""Avant-garde", "Sarmat" and "Dagger": what is the latest Russian weapons". Komsomolskaya Pravda. Retrieved 2018-03-12.
  4. "Эксперт: новое российское оружие сделано для адекватного отражения угроз". ria.ru. 12 March 2018. Retrieved 4 March 2019.
  5. "Russia should deploy MiG-31 squadrons with Kinzhal missiles in Black Sea region — expert". Retrieved 30 July 2018.
  6. "Бомбардировщики Ту-22М3 вооружат гиперзвуковыми ракетами "Кинжал" (The Tu-22M3 bomber will be able to carry four hypersonic "Dagger" missiles)". 2 July 2018.
  7. "Ten Years Later, Russia Finally Begins Production of the Su-57 Stealth Fighter". Popular Mechanics. 31 July 2019.
  8. "Russia unveils Kinzhal hypersonic missile". www.janes.com. Jane's 360.
  9. Majumdar, Dave (10 May 2018). "Russia Places 10 Deadly MiG-31s on "Experimental Combat Duty" to Carry "Hypersonic" Missile".
  10. "Russian Aerospace Forces test launch Kinzhal hypersonic missile".
  11. "Kinzhal complex substantially boosts Russia's Aerospace Force capabilities – commander". Tass.
  12. "Putin unveils new nuclear missile, says 'listen to us now'". nbcnews.com. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
  13. ""Hipersoniczny" Kindżał zagrożeniem dla Europy [OPINIA]". Defence24.
  14. "Новое российское оружие стратегического сдерживания. Комплекс "Кинжал"". dfnc.ru.
  15. "Совершенное оружие: "Кинжал" быстр и практически невидим".
  16. "От «Кинжала» нет защиты".
  17. "Russia picks MiG-31 fighter as a carrier for cutting-edge hypersonic weapon". TASS. 6 April 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  18. Majumdar, Dave (12 March 2018). "Russia Just Fired a Hypersonic Missile from a MiG-31 Fighter. Should America be Worried?".
  19. "Russian strategic bomber to extend Kinzhal hypersonic missile's range — source". TASS. 18 July 2018. Retrieved 17 September 2018.
  20. "Russia Test Fires New Kh-47M2 Kinzhal Hypersonic Missile". theaviationist.com. 12 March 2018.
  21. "Интервью заместителя Министра обороны России Юрия Борисова о новой военной технике". bmpd.livejournal.com. 6 May 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  22. "Russian MoD sums up 2018 results, details 2019 deliveries". 3 February 2019. Archived from the original on 4 May 2019.
  23. "Russian fighters armed with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles hold drills with strategic bombers". TASS. 19 July 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  24. "New Russian weapons to guarantee security of the country without increasing costs and involvement in the arms race". eng.mil.ru. 20 February 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  25. http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2019/0812/094553821/detail.shtml
  26. "Источники: испытания гиперзвуковой ракеты "Кинжал" впервые проведены в Арктике". TASS (in Russian). 30 November 2019. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
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