AGI Moscow has announced that it has used for the first time in Ukraine the Kinzhal, hypersonic ballistic missiles with nuclear or conventional capabilities fired from a modified Mig31. It is one of the six “next generation” weapons that Putin cited in his March 1, 2018 speech.
The Kinzhal has a declared range of 1,500 to 2,000 km with a nuclear or conventional payload of 480 kg. It is 8 meters long, 1 in diameter and has a launch weight of about 4,300 kg. Similar in size to the 9M723 Iskander shortrange ballistic missile, it still shares distinctive features, including a redesigned tail section and reduced rudders.
After launch, the Kinzhal quickly accelerates to Mach 4 and can reach speeds of up to Mach 10 (12,350 km/h). This speed, combined with the missile’s erratic trajectory and high maneuverability, can make it difficult to intercept.
The missile was tested in southern Russia in December 2017 and in the released footage She called the defense of Moscow a success; entered service, some modified to carry it. It was probably designed to more easily hit key European infrastructure and to counter the American Thaad, a defense system designed to fire on medium and shortrange ballistic missiles.