MilitaryKh-47M2 Kinzhal Hypersonic Missile
Missile Systemconfirmed
The Kinzhal (Dagger) is a Russian air-launched hypersonic aeroballistic missile carried by MiG-31K and Tu-22M3 aircraft. Reaches Mach 10 at altitude, making intercept extremely difficult. Can carry conventional or nuclear warheads. Designed to defeat aircraft carrier battle groups and Aegis-defended targets.
Specifications
| Type | Missile System |
| Origin | Russia |
| Manufacturer | Vympel / Raduga |
| Introduced | 2017 |
| Status | In service |
| Range | 2,000 |
| Speed | 12,240 |
History
Entered service December 2017. Used extensively in Ukraine since 2022, including the first wartime engagement of a Patriot SAM battery (which successfully intercepted one). Carried by ~10 modified MiG-31K aircraft. Tu-22M3M integration expands reach dramatically.
Operators
| Country | Quantity | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | ~10 MiG-31K Kinzhal carriers | confirmed |
Text adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo from Wikimedia Commons; see the Wikipedia article for author and license.
