KH-47M2 Kinzhal
Fact for 29/6/2021
FACTS
The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal ("dagger") is a Russian nuclear-capable air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM). 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 and can be launched from Tu-22M3 bombers or MiG-31K interceptors. It has been deployed at airbases in Russia's Southern Military District.
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
On March 1, 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin debuted the Kh-47M2 as one of the six new Russian strategic weapons. Just over a week later, the Russian Aerospace Forces conducted the first successful test firing of the air-launched Kinzhal hypersonic missile. The missile was fired from a modified MiG-31B over Southwest Russia. It is unknown how far the missile traveled and at what speeds during the test, but the defense ministry said that, “the launch was normal, and the hypersonic missile hit the present target at the test site.”
It has a claimed range of more than 2,000 km, a speed of more than Mach 10, and an ability to perform evasive maneuvers at every stage of flight carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads.
Reports have since indicated that the Kinzhal missile has entered service and that up to 10 MiG-31s have been modified to carry the missiles. The 10 aircraft deployed on experimental combat duty in the Southern Military District, bordering Ukraine and the Black Sea
Strategic implication
The missile is designed as a deterrence measure against United States and NATO warships posing a threat to missile systems in Russia. It is designed to accelerate to hypersonic speed within seconds of launch and perform maneuvers at any time during flight, allowing it to overcome any known United States air or missile defense systems including the MIM-104 Patriot, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, and the Aegis Combat System. Also, as an ALBM, the missile can be launched from unpredictable locations possibly straining sectored (non-360 degree) radars, like the ones deployed for the Patriot system. Its claimed indefensibility threatens , essentially holding the entire area at risk, until a defense can be built; providing Russia substantial strategic leverage
Source - https://missiledefenseadvocacy.org/