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Description
The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is a nuclear-capable, Russian air-launched ballistic missile, likely derived from Russia’s ground-launched 9K720 Iskander-M. It was one of six “next generation” weapons unveiled by President Putin during a speech in March 2018.1
Kh-47M2 Kinzhal at a Glance
ORIGINATED FROM
Russia
POSSESSED BY
Russia
ALTERNATIVE NAME
KH-47M2 Kinzhal (trans: “Dagger”)
CLASS
Air-launched Ballistic Missile (ALBM)
BASING
Modified MiG-31 fighter
LENGTH
8.0 m
DIAMETER
1.0 m
PAYLOAD
480 kg
WARHEAD
Nuclear or conventional
RANGE
1,500-2,000 km
STATUS
Operational
IN SERVICE
2017-present
Photo: Youtube / Russian Aerospace Forces
Photo: Youtube / Sputnik Radio
Photo: Russian MOD
Kinzhal Development
Although it is unclear when Kinzhal’s development began, concept schemes of Russian Iskander missiles installed on the MiG-31 fighter began circulating online around 2010. These pictures were reportedly copied from a brochure-prospectus of a Russian defense corporation.2
Based on these concept schemes, as well as the missile’s capabilities and general appearance, analysts say it is likely derived from the ground-launched 9K720 Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile.3 The benefits of creating an air-launch variant include greater range, deployability, and flexibility over ground-based Iskander missiles.4 Additionally, the animated Kinzhal in Putin’s March 1 speech was shown targeting naval vessels, so it may also have (or plan to develop) antiship capabilities.5
Russia likely developed the unique missile to more easily target critical European infrastructure (e.g. airfields, warehouses, command centers, etc.) and to counter U.S. theater missile defenses such as THAAD.6 An aircraft’s ability to launch from unpredictable directions would strain sectored (non-360 degree) radars, such as those currently deployed with the Patriot system. Additionally, if the Kinzhal does indeed have antiship capabilities, it may also pose a threat to U.S. and NATO aircraft carriers.
Specifications
The Kinzhal has a reported range of 1,500-2,000 km while carrying a nuclear or conventional payload of 480 kg. A July 2018 TASS news report suggested the missile’s range would exceed 3,000 km if outfitted on the Tupolev Tu-22M3 bomber.7 It has similar dimensions as the OTK 9M723 Iskander-M; according to one report, the Kinzhal has a length of 8 m, a body diameter of 1 m, and a launch weight of approximately 4,300 kg.8 There are key distinct features from the ground-based Iskander, however, including a redesigned tail section, reduced rudders, and a special stub at the missile’s tail designed to protect engine nozzles during high-speed fight.9
Following the launch, the Kinzhal rapidly accelerates to Mach 4 (4,900 km/h), and may reach speeds of up to Mach 10 (12,350 km/hr). This speed, in combination with the missile’s erratic flight trajectory and high maneuverability, could complicate interception.10 It is worth noting that Russia’s designation of the Kinzhal as a “hypersonic” missile is somewhat misleading, as nearly all ballistic missiles reach hypersonic speeds (i.e. above Mach 5) at some point during their flight.
Service History
The missile reportedly entered a trial period at airfields in southern Russia in December 2017.11 On March 11, Russian media released footage of a reported Kinzhal test fire, which showed the missile equipped to a modified MiG-31 fighter.12 The video does not show the resulting strike, but Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced a success: “The launch was normal; the hypersonic missile hit the preset target on the test site.”13 Russian reports indicate that the missile has entered service, and reports in 2018 indicated that six MiG-31s have been modified to carry the missiles and are based in Akhtubinsk in southwest Russia, about 150 km east of Volgograd.14
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