Ukraine: first operational use of Kinzal hypersonic missile

According to Russian media, the hypersonic Kinzhal (Dagger) missile was used for the first time in combat to destroy a Ukrainian undergrond ammunition depot.

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Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov at a press briefing commented as follows:

«On March 18, the Kinzhal airborne complex with its hypersonic ballistic missiles destroyed a large underground storage of missiles and ammunition of the Ukrainian army aviation in the locality of Delyatyn, Ivano-Frankivsk region.»

Following this action, the Kinzhal missile system becomes the world’s first new-generation hypersonic weapon used in combat. Ukrainian government sources acknowledged the attack on the ammunition depot, although they have not yet provided details on the weapon used.

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The Silent Dagger

The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal (Dagger) hypersonic air-launched missile complex is a missile developed from the 9k720 Iskander short-range ballistic missile, adapted for use from aircraft.

Although it has been operational since 2017, its existence was revealed to the public the following year, during the Victory Day air parade over the skies of Moscow.

Intended to attack ground targets (and surely maritime ones as well), the Kinzhal flies at 10 to 12 times the speed of sound, would carry a 500 kg warhead (of the high explosive, penetrator or nuclear types), and has maneuverability in the terminal phase of flight.

Most of the world’s experts believe that there is no currently operational air-defense system that can intercept the Kinzhal, both because of its enormous speed and its ability to perform evasive maneuvers.

MiG-31K

The Mig-31K is the variant of the Mig-31 air defense aircraft adapted as a launch platform for this powerful new surface attack weapon. The Kinzhal, when launched from a Mig-31K, has a declared range of 2000km (+1.2400nm).

Before the start of the invasion of Ukraine, as a deterrent message, Russia deployed some of its MiG-31Ks in its Kaliningrad enclave, bringing almost all European cities within range of the Kinzhal.