Kinjal missile shares 90% components with Iskander-M, says Ukraine

Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate that Russia’s Kh-47M2 Kinjal aeroballistic missile shares approximately 90 percent of its structural components and systems with the 9M723 missile used in the Iskander-M complex.

While the Kinjal features specific additions such as a tail aerodynamic cover, radar seeker head, and active electronic countermeasures, it currently exhibits lower accuracy than the Iskander. Experts suggest that Russia may be experiencing a temporary lull in Kinjal launches due to limited availability of MiG-31K aircraft and ongoing efforts to modernize the missile.

To address precision issues, Russia is reportedly working on integrating high-explosive fragmentation warheads. Consequently, the Russian Ministry of Defense has significantly reduced Kinjal order volumes for 2026, redirecting production resources, components, and raw materials toward the Iskander-M ballistic missile program.