Already mentioned more than a year ago, the development of a reduced-size version of the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missile to be carried in the holds of the new-generation Russian Su-57 combat aircraft, seems to have , as for the 3M22 Tzirkon, has taken a new step in recent weeks. Indeed, according to an article by the TASS agency, the prototype of this new missile would indeed have been completed, paving the way for integration and implementation tests. However, a "mini-Kinzhal", implemented by the Su-57 would significantly extend the operational but also commercial opportunities of Russia in the years to come.
We have dealt extensively with Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile and its strengths on Meta-Defense. However, it should be remembered that this missile, which first appeared under the wings of a Mig31 specially modified in April 2018, makes it possible to reach targets 2000 km away at a hypersonic speed evaluated above Mach 9, while maintaining a ballistic trajectory and significant maneuvering capabilities, making the missile impossible to intercept by current anti-missile systems, such as the THAAD, the Patriot PAC-3 or the SM3, all of which are American made. Capable of carrying a conventional or nuclear explosive charge, the Kinzhal constitutes from then on a formidable weapon system to strike the vital points of an adversary in the depth, like its logistic nodes, its command posts, to see its civil infrastructures and strategic policies, such as power plants, dams or government departments.
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