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Russia modernizing Kinzhal hypersonic missile system
Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate that Russia is undertaking a large-scale modernization of its Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missile system. A key development is the creation of a new Kh-47M2 variant equipped with a more powerful fragmentation warhead. This shift is reportedly intended to compensate for current accuracy issues, as the existing penetrator warheads require high precision that the missiles have struggled to achieve in previous strikes.
Military experts, including Ivan Kirichevsky of Defense Express, suggest that these upgrades could lead to more frequent Kinzhal launches. Currently, usage is limited not only by missile availability but also by the restricted engine life of the MiG-31K/I aircraft used to deploy them.
Technical analysis shows the Kinzhal shares approximately 90% structural similarity with the 9M723 ballistic missile used in the Iskander-M system. While the Kinzhal features an active radar seeker, it has historically demonstrated lower accuracy compared to the Iskander. The proposed modernization aims to integrate improved guidance and fragmentation capabilities to enhance its operational effectiveness.
Entities
Defense Express · Iskander · Iskander-M · Ivan Kirichevsky · Kh-47M2 Kinzhal · Kinzhal · Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine · MiG-31 · Russia · Ukraine
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] A new Kh-47M2 variant is being developed with a more powerful fragmentation warhead. giaoducthoidai.vn · soha.vn
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Kinzhal missile is approximately 90% similar in structure to the Iskander-M's 9M723 ballistic missile. giaoducthoidai.vn · soha.vn · novini247.com · fakti.bg
- [● 2 SOURCES] The limited use of Kinzhal missiles is partly due to the limited engine life of the MiG-31K/I aircraft used to carry them. novini247.com · fakti.bg
- [● 2 SOURCES] Russia is modernizing the Kinzhal hypersonic missile system. giaoducthoidai.vn · soha.vn
- [● 2 SOURCES] Russia may increase the frequency of Kinzhal missile launches following modernization. novini247.com · fakti.bg
- [● 2 SOURCES] The fragmentation warhead is being developed because current Kinzhal accuracy is insufficient for penetrator warheads. giaoducthoidai.vn · soha.vn