Kh-47M2 Kinzhal

{{short description|Russian nuclear-capable air-launched ballistic missile}}

{{Infobox weapon

| name = Kh-47M2 Kinzhal
{{nobold|{{lang|ru|Х-47М2 Кинжал}}}}

| image = 2018 Moscow Victory Day Parade 66.jpg

| image_size = 300

| alt =

| caption = A Kh-47M2 Kinzhal being carried by a Mikoyan MiG-31K interceptor

| type = Air-launched ballistic missile

| origin = Russia

| is_ranged =

| is_explosive =

| is_artillery =

| is_vehicle =

| is_missile = y

| service = 2017–present

| used_by = Russian Aerospace Forces

| wars = Russian invasion of Ukraine

| designer = Believed to be:
Votkinsk Plant State Production Association and
Tactical Missiles Corporation JSC

| design_date =

| manufacturer =

| unit_cost = US$10 million

| production_date =

| number =

| variants =

| spec_label =

| mass = {{cvt|4300|kg|lb}}

| length = {{cvt|7.2|m|ftin}} (estimated)

| width =

| height =

| diameter = {{cvt|1200|mm|in}} (estimated)

| crew =

| passengers =

| filling = {{ubl|Low yield nuclear warhead (5 to 50 kt) or conventional HE}}

| filling_weight =

| detonation =

| yield =

| engine = Solid-propellant rocket motor

| vehicle_range = {{cvt|2000|km|mi}} (Including range of launching aircraft)

| speed = up to {{cvt|10|Mach|m/sec ft/sec}}

| guidance = INS, mid-course update

| steering = Four cropped delta‐fins

| wingspan = {{cvt|1.6|m|ftin}}

| propellant =

| ceiling =

| altitude =

| boost =

| depth =

| accuracy =

| launch_platform = {{ubl|MiG-31BM/K|Tu-22M3M|Su-34 (reportedly)|Su‐57 (planned)}}

| transport =

| ref = Janes,{{Citation |author=Janes |url=https://customer.janes.com/display/JALWA053-JALW |title=Kh-47M2 Kinzhal (AS-24 'Killjoy') |date=14 April 2022 |website=Janes Weapons: Air Launched |publisher=Jane's Group UK Limited |publication-place=Coulsdon, Surrey |url-access=subscription |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=11 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311202325/https://customer.janes.com/portal/Account/PreAuthenticate?callingurl=https%3A%2F%2Fcustomer.janes.com%2Fdisplay%2FJALWA053-JALW |url-status=live }} CSIS{{cite web|title=Kh-47M2 Kinzhal|url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/kinzhal/|website=Center for Strategic and International Studies|access-date=13 June 2023|archive-date=10 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010004048/https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/kinzhal/|url-status=live}}

}}

The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal ({{lang-rus|Х-47М2 Кинжал|p=kʲɪn'ʐaɫ}}, {{lit}} 'Dagger'; NATO reporting name: AS-24 Killjoy) is a Russian air-launched ballistic missile.{{Cite web |title=Kh-47M2 Kinzhal |url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/kinzhal/ |access-date=20 June 2023 |website=Missile Threat |language=en-US |archive-date=10 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010004048/https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/kinzhal/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/78635/russia-unveils-kinzhal-hypersonic-missile|title=Russia unveils Kinzhal hypersonic missile|publisher=Jane's 360|website=www.janes.com|access-date=16 March 2018|archive-date=23 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723233333/http://www.janes.com/article/78635/russia-unveils-kinzhal-hypersonic-missile|url-status=live}} It has an estimated range of {{convert|460|-|480|km|mi|abbr=on}}{{Cite web |last=Yap |first=Marc |date=11 August 2023 |title=Deriving the Kinzhal Missile's Actual Range and Speed: An Aerospace Engineering Analysis |url=https://medium.com/@myaero29/deriving-the-kinzhal-missiles-actual-range-and-speed-an-aerospace-engineering-analysis-aa8c253554bc |access-date=3 January 2024 |website=Medium |language=en |archive-date=3 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103001805/https://medium.com/@myaero29/deriving-the-kinzhal-missiles-actual-range-and-speed-an-aerospace-engineering-analysis-aa8c253554bc |url-status=live }} and a reported top speed of Mach 10. It can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads{{cite web|url=http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/russia-places-10-deadly-mig-31s-experimental-combat-duty-25765|title=Russia Places 10 Deadly MiG-31s on "Experimental Combat Duty" to Carry "Hypersonic" Missile|first=Dave|last=Majumdar|date=10 May 2018|access-date=13 May 2018|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109041659/https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/russia-places-10-deadly-mig-31s-experimental-combat-duty-25765|url-status=live}} and can be launched by Tu-22M3 bombers, MiG-31K interceptors, or modified Su-34 fighter-bombers.{{cite web|title=China Evaluates Russia's Use of Hypersonic 'Daggers' in the Ukraine War|date=12 January 2024 |url=https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2024/01/china-evaluates-russias-use-of-hypersonic-daggers-in.html|access-date=16 January 2024|archive-date=16 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116170540/https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2024/01/china-evaluates-russias-use-of-hypersonic-daggers-in.html|url-status=live |last1=Goldstein |first1=Lyle |last2=Waechter |first2=Nathan }}

It has been deployed at airbases in Russia's Southern Military District and Western Military District.{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/defense/993439|title=Russian Aerospace Forces test launch Kinzhal hypersonic missile|website=TASS|access-date=4 July 2022|archive-date=6 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706030539/https://tass.com/defense/993439|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Newdick|first=Thomas|title=Russian MiG-31s Armed With Air-Launched Ballistic Missiles Have Arrived In Kaliningrad|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/44205/russian-mig-31s-armed-with-air-launched-ballistic-missiles-have-arrived-in-kaliningrad|access-date=9 February 2022|website=The Drive|date=8 February 2022|language=en|archive-date=16 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716001441/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/44205/russian-mig-31s-armed-with-air-launched-ballistic-missiles-have-arrived-in-kaliningrad|url-status=live}}

The Kinzhal entered service in December 2017 and was one of the six new Russian strategic weapons unveiled by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2018.{{Cite web |date=23 September 2021 |title=Advanced military technology in Russia: Putin's 'super weapons' |url=https://www.chathamhouse.org/2021/09/advanced-military-technology-russia/03-putins-super-weapons |website=Chatham House |access-date=14 May 2023 |archive-date=5 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905093756/https://www.chathamhouse.org/2021/09/advanced-military-technology-russia/03-putins-super-weapons |url-status=live }} It was first used in combat during the first month of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. It was first intercepted in May 2023, following the deployment of MIM-104 Patriot batteries the previous month.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-19 |title=Ukraine updates: Germany says Patriots delivered to Kyiv |url=https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-updates-germany-says-patriots-delivered-to-kyiv/a-65367387 |access-date=April 19, 2023 |website=DW |language=english}}

Design

The overall design of the missile is shared with the older ground-launched 9K720 Iskander missile, adapted for air launching with a modified guidance section for the Kinzhal. It can reportedly hit both static targets and mobile ones such as aircraft carriers.{{Cite report |url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/strengthening-russias-nuclear-forces-arctic-case-kinzhal-missile |title=Strengthening Russia's Nuclear Forces in the Arctic: The Case of the Kinzhal Missile |last1=Lavikainen |first1=Jyri |date=14 September 2021 |website=www.csis.org |access-date=9 February 2022 |archive-date=29 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529005311/https://www.csis.org/analysis/strengthening-russias-nuclear-forces-arctic-case-kinzhal-missile |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=6 April 2018 |title=Russia picks MiG-31 fighter as a carrier for cutting-edge hypersonic weapon |url=http://tass.com/defense/998221 |access-date=18 September 2018 |website=TASS |archive-date=11 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811220202/http://tass.com/defense/998221 |url-status=live }}

The high speed of the Kinzhal gives it better target penetration than lighter, slower cruise missiles.{{Cite web |date=20 March 2022 |title=What are hypersonic missiles and why is Russia using them? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/20/what-are-hypersonic-missiles-and-why-is-russia-using-them-kinzhal-ukraine |access-date=21 March 2022 |website=The Guardian |language=en |archive-date=29 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929092119/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/20/what-are-hypersonic-missiles-and-why-is-russia-using-them-kinzhal-ukraine |url-status=live }}

In Russian media the "hypersonic" feature has been highlighted as a unique feature to create an impression it is a new and advanced design (hypersonic glide and scramjet) although the Kinzhal actually uses a standard ballistic missile technology at greater speeds. The "hypersonic" feature is shared with many older designs and does not represent any particular technological breakthrough.{{cite news |last1=Holdings |first1=Alex |title=Why the 'hypersonic missile' Russia says it just used in Ukraine isn't as advanced as it sounds |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/russias-kinzhal-hypersonic-missile-isnt-as-advanced-as-it-sounds-2022-3 |access-date=1 April 2022 |work=Business Journal |date=21 March 2022 |archive-date=21 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521050335/https://www.businessinsider.com/russias-kinzhal-hypersonic-missile-isnt-as-advanced-as-it-sounds-2022-3 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Pickrell |first=Ryan |title=Russia's Kinzhal was never an unstoppable hypersonic missile, but the Patriot shot that killed one is still 'impressive,' expert says |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/patriot-kill-shot-impressive-russian-kinzhal-hypersonic-ballistic-missile-experts-2023-5 |access-date=13 May 2023 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513091942/https://www.businessinsider.com/patriot-kill-shot-impressive-russian-kinzhal-hypersonic-ballistic-missile-experts-2023-5 |url-status=live }}

Russian media state the missile's range as {{cvt|2,000|km|mi+nmi}} when carried by the MiG-31K and {{cvt|3,000|km|mi+nmi}} when carried by the Tu-22M3; in both cases these figures are arrived at by adding the aircraft's combat radius to the missile's range.{{cite web|url=http://tass.com/defense/1013794|title=Russian strategic bomber to extend Kinzhal hypersonic missile's range — source|website=TASS|date=18 July 2018|access-date=17 September 2018|archive-date=17 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917071432/http://tass.com/defense/1013794|url-status=live}} Its range once launched from its aircraft has been estimated between 460 and 480 km, similar to that of the Iskander missile upon which its design is reportedly based.

It is claimed that one Kh-47 Kinzhal hypersonic missile costs about US$10 million.{{cite news|title=What is the Kinzhal missile? How much Russia's hypersonic missiles cost and when they've been used in Ukraine|url=https://inews.co.uk/news/world/kinzhal-missle-what-russia-hypersonic-missiles-how-much-cost-used-ukraine-2346804#:~:text=They%20can%20cost%20upwards%20of,destroy%20Nato%20missile%20defence%20systems.|work=i|date=17 May 2023|access-date=17 May 2023|language=English|archive-date=17 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517195018/https://inews.co.uk/news/world/kinzhal-missle-what-russia-hypersonic-missiles-how-much-cost-used-ukraine-2346804#:~:text=They%20can%20cost%20upwards%20of,destroy%20Nato%20missile%20defence%20systems.|url-status=live}}
{{cite news|title=Night attack on Ukraine cost Russia at least US$120 million|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/05/16/7402408/|work=Ukrainska Pravda|date=17 May 2023|access-date=17 May 2023|language=English|archive-date=16 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516205659/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/05/16/7402408/|url-status=live}}

Foreign reactions

U.S. defense officials have concluded that existing radar architectures are insufficient to detect and track hypersonic weapons.{{Cite web |date=27 January 2023 |title=Report to Congress on Hypersonic Missile Defense |url=https://news.usni.org/2023/01/27/report-to-congress-on-hypersonic-missile-defense-2 |access-date=6 May 2023 |website=USNI News |language=en-US |archive-date=28 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128040006/https://news.usni.org/2023/01/27/report-to-congress-on-hypersonic-missile-defense-2 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Macias |first=Amanda |title=Russia and China are 'aggressively developing' hypersonic weapons — here's what they are and why the US can't defend against them |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/21/hypersonic-weapons-what-they-are-and-why-us-cant-defend-against-them.html |access-date=6 May 2023 |website=CNBC |date=21 March 2018 |language=en |archive-date=22 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522205723/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/21/hypersonic-weapons-what-they-are-and-why-us-cant-defend-against-them.html |url-status=live }}

In March 2022, American President Joe Biden confirmed that Russia used hypersonic missiles in Ukraine. "It's almost impossible to stop it," he said: "There's a reason they're using it."{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Charles R. |title=Biden confirms Russia used hypersonic missile in Ukraine: 'It's almost impossible to stop it' |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-confirms-russia-used-hypersonic-missile-in-ukraine-2022-3 |access-date=6 May 2023 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331230816/https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-confirms-russia-used-hypersonic-missile-in-ukraine-2022-3 |url-status=live }}

Chinese analysts, after reviewing its performance in Ukraine in 2023, point out that is not really a hypersonic missile since it follows a ballistic trajectory and cannot maneuver at hypersonic speeds. This makes it relatively easy to intercept compared with true hypersonic missiles. They also criticised its accuracy.{{cite web | url=https://www.businessinsider.com/china-russia-kinzhal-hypersonic-missiles-disappointed-ukraine-dongfeng-war-2024-1 | title=Russia's Kinzhals are frustrating Chinese analysts who want to find out how Beijing's hypersonic missiles might stack up against US battlefield defenses | website=Business Insider | access-date=17 January 2024 | archive-date=17 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117215230/https://www.businessinsider.com/china-russia-kinzhal-hypersonic-missiles-disappointed-ukraine-dongfeng-war-2024-1 | url-status=live }}

Operational history

The Kinzhal entered service in December 2017 and was one of the six new Russian strategic weapons unveiled by Russian President Vladimir Putin on 1 March 2018.{{cite web |url=http://tass.com/defense/992375 |title=Kinzhal complex substantially boosts Russia's Aerospace Force capabilities – commander |publisher=Tass |access-date=4 March 2018 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128110847/https://tass.com/defense/992375 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/vladimir-putin-set-state-union-speech-election-looms-n852211 |title=Putin unveils new Russian nuclear missile, says it renders defenses 'useless' |date=1 March 2018 |author=Alastair Jamieson |website=NBC News |access-date=2 March 2018 |archive-date=3 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303203212/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/vladimir-putin-set-state-union-speech-election-looms-n852211 |url-status=live }} The Kinzhal missile has since been deployed on the MiG-31K,{{cite web |url=https://eurasiantimes.com/ukraines-best-interceptor-no-match-to-russian-foxhound/ |title=Ukraine's 'Best Interceptor' No Match To Russian Foxhound As MiG-31 Outguns Su-27 In Altitude, Speed & Range |author=Tanmay Kadam |date=2 May 2023 |website=The Eurasian Times |publisher= |access-date=5 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503102714/https://eurasiantimes.com/ukraines-best-interceptor-no-match-to-russian-foxhound/ |archive-date=3 May 2023|url-status=live}} the Tu-160M,{{cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/defector-engineer-russia-tell-u-163500155.html |title=What a defector engineer from Russia can tell the U.S. about Tu-160 strategic bombers |author=The New Voice of Ukraine |date=1 March 2023 |website=Yahoo News |access-date=5 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309173730/https://news.yahoo.com/defector-engineer-russia-tell-u-163500155.html |archive-date=9 March 2023 |url-status=live}} the Tu-22M3M,{{cite web |url=http://tass.com/defense/1016360 |title=Russia's upgraded strategic bomber to feature advanced avionics suite |website=TASS |access-date=29 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227181421/http://tass.com/defense/1016360 |archive-date=27 December 2018 |url-status=live }} and also reportedly the Su-34.{{cite web | url=https://tass.com/defense/1669183 | title=Russian Su-34 uses Kinzhal hypersonic missile in special op — official | access-date=5 September 2023 | archive-date=5 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905185434/https://tass.com/defense/1669183 | url-status=live }}

In May 2018, ten MiG-31Ks capable of using Kinzhal missiles were on experimental combat duty and ready to be deployed.{{cite web|url=https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3187113.html|title=Интервью заместителя Министра обороны России Юрия Борисова о новой военной технике|trans-title=Interview with Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia Yuri Borisov about new military equipment|website=bmpd.livejournal.com|date=6 May 2018|access-date=5 May 2019|archive-date=4 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504235834/https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3187113.html|url-status=live}} By December 2018, aircraft armed with Kinzhal missiles had conducted 89 sorties over the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/article/85520/russian-mod-sums-up-2018-results-details-2019-deliveries|title=Russian MoD sums up 2018 results, details 2019 deliveries|date=3 February 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190504233921/https://www.janes.com/article/85520/russian-mod-sums-up-2018-results-details-2019-deliveries|archive-date=4 May 2019}}

By February 2019, crews of the MiG-31K Kinzhal missile carriers had performed more than 380 training sorties with the missile, of which at least 70 have used air-to-air refueling.{{cite web|url=http://tass.com/defense/1014048|title=Russian fighters armed with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles hold drills with strategic bombers|website=TASS|date=19 July 2018|access-date=18 September 2018|archive-date=10 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010003642/http://tass.com/defense/1014048|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12218197@egNews|title=New Russian weapons to guarantee security of the country without increasing costs and involvement in the arms race|website=eng.mil.ru|date=20 February 2019|access-date=5 May 2019|archive-date=21 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221224302/http://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12218197@egNews|url-status=live}} The weapon made its public debut{{how|date=November 2022}} during the Aviadarts international contest in August 2019.{{Cite web |url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2019/0812/094553821/detail.shtml |title=ЦАМТО / Новости / Авиамикс в этом году стал самым зрелищным за историю конкурса «Авиадартс-2019» |trans-title=TsAMTO / News / Aviamix this year has become the most spectacular in the history of the Aviadarts-2019 competition |website=armstrade.org |access-date=4 July 2022 |archive-date=11 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911214834/https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2019/0812/094553821/detail.shtml |url-status=live }}

According to TASS, the first launch of Kinzhal in the Arctic took place mid-November 2019. The launch was reportedly carried out by a MiG-31K from Olenya air base. The missile hit a ground target at Pemboy proving ground, reaching a speed of Mach 10.{{cite web |url=https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/7234431 |title=Источники: испытания гиперзвуковой ракеты "Кинжал" впервые проведены в Арктике |trans-title=Sources: tests of the Kinzhal hypersonic missile were carried out in the Arctic for the first time |website=TASS |date=30 November 2019 |access-date=30 November 2019 |language=ru |archive-date=30 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130192905/https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/7234431 |url-status=live }} In June 2021, a Kinzhal missile was launched by a MiG-31K from Khmeimim Air Base on a ground target in Syria.{{cite web |url=https://avia.pro/news/istrebitel-mig-31k-nanyos-udar-giperzvukovoy-raketoy-kinzhal-po-neizvestnoy-celi-v-sirii |title=Истребитель МиГ-31К нанёс удар гиперзвуковой ракетой "Кинжал" по неизвестной цели в Сирии |trans-title=MiG-31K fighter jet fired a Kinzhal hypersonic missile at an unknown target in Syria |website=avia.pro |date=29 June 2021 |access-date=2 July 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182427/https://avia.pro/news/istrebitel-mig-31k-nanyos-udar-giperzvukovoy-raketoy-kinzhal-po-neizvestnoy-celi-v-sirii |url-status=live }} A separate aviation regiment was formed in 2021 which is armed with MiG-31K aircraft with the Kinzhal hypersonic missile.{{Cite web |title=Russian troops receive over 5,000 advanced weapon systems in 2021 — defense chief |url=https://tass.com/defense/1390873 |access-date=9 February 2022 |website=TASS |archive-date=21 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121104019/https://tass.com/defense/1390873 |url-status=live }}

Rumours in early February 2022 suggested that several MiG-31 interceptors armed with Kinzhal missiles were dispatched from Soltsy Air Base, Novgorod Oblast, to Chernyakhovsk Naval Air Base in Russia's western Kaliningrad exclave.{{Cite web |last=Newdick |first=Thomas |title=Russian MiG-31s Armed With Air-Launched Ballistic Missiles Have Arrived In Kaliningrad |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/44205/russian-mig-31s-armed-with-air-launched-ballistic-missiles-have-arrived-in-kaliningrad |access-date=9 February 2022 |website=The Drive |date=8 February 2022 |archive-date=16 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716001441/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/44205/russian-mig-31s-armed-with-air-launched-ballistic-missiles-have-arrived-in-kaliningrad |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Shestak |first=Evgueniya |title=Появились данные о переброске МиГ-31К с "Кинжалом" в Калининградскую область |trans-title=There was information about the transfer of the MiG-31K with the "Dagger" to the Kaliningrad region |url=https://vz.ru/news/2022/2/8/1142571.html |date=8 February 2022 |website=Vzglyad |language=ru |access-date=10 February 2022 |archive-date=10 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210174049/https://vz.ru/news/2022/2/8/1142571.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/sebastienroblin/2022/02/08/russia-deploys-hypersonic-missile-to-baltic-in-range-of-nato-capitols/?sh=3805ecfb217e | title=Russia Deploys Hypersonic Missile to Baltic in Range of NATO Capitals | website=Forbes | access-date=10 March 2022 | archive-date=10 March 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310011846/https://www.forbes.com/sites/sebastienroblin/2022/02/08/russia-deploys-hypersonic-missile-to-baltic-in-range-of-nato-capitols/?sh=3805ecfb217e | url-status=live }} Russia's Aerospace Force launched Kinzhal missiles{{where|date=November 2022}} on 19 February 2022.{{Cite web|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC-kwzzqyOY|title = Russian MoD Releases Footage of Strategic Forces Drills|website = YouTube|access-date = 22 February 2022|archive-date = 22 February 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220222121216/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC-kwzzqyOY|url-status = live}}

Vladimir Putin ordered the Russian Aerospace Forces to begin permanent patrols over the Black Sea region with MiG-31K aircraft armed with Kinzhal missiles on 18 October 2023.{{cite web | title=Putin Announces Permanent Black Sea Patrols with Kinzhal-Armed Fighter Jets | website=IndraStra Global | date=18 October 2023 | url=https://www.indrastra.com/2023/10/putin-announces-permanent-black-sea.html | ref={{sfnref | IndraStra Global | 2023}} | access-date=27 October 2023 | archive-date=19 October 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019155546/https://www.indrastra.com/2023/10/putin-announces-permanent-black-sea.html | url-status=live }} Russian sources stated that these missiles have received the capability of mid-flight re-targeting.{{cite web | title=Источник рассказал о возможности перенацеливать в полете гиперзвуковой "Кинжал" | website=Военное.РФ | date=25 October 2023 | url=https://xn--b1aga5aadd.xn--p1ai/2023/%D0%90%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%8F30/ | language=ru | ref={{sfnref | Военное.РФ | 2023}} | access-date=27 October 2023 | archive-date=28 October 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028174536/https://xn--b1aga5aadd.xn--p1ai/2023/%D0%90%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%8F30/ | url-status=live }}

=Russian invasion of Ukraine=

File:Remains of Russian missiles and drones in Kyiv (2023-05-12) 10.jpg

During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Russian military claimed to have used Kinzhal missiles to destroy an alleged underground weapons depot of the Ukrainian armed forces in Deliatyn on 18 March 2022, followed by a fuel depot in Konstantinovka the next day.{{cite web |date=19 March 2022 |title=Russia says it used hypersonic missiles in Ukraine for the first time |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/19/russia-uses-advanced-hypersonic-missiles-in-ukraine-for-first-tim |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=19 March 2022 |archive-date=20 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320231751/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/19/russia-uses-advanced-hypersonic-missiles-in-ukraine-for-first-tim |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60806151 |title=Russia claims first use of hypersonic Kinzhal missile in Ukraine |publisher=BBC News |date=19 March 2022 |access-date=19 March 2022 |author=Paul Kirby |archive-date=9 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409055400/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60806151 |url-status=live }} When asked about the use of these missiles, U.S. President Joe Biden noted that it was a significant weapon, but ultimately had the same warhead as any other missile, which is difficult to defend against.{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Charles R. |date=21 March 2022 |title=Biden confirms Russia used hypersonic missile in Ukraine: 'It's almost impossible to stop it' |publisher=Business Insider |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-confirms-russia-used-hypersonic-missile-in-ukraine-2022-3 |access-date=23 March 2022 |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331230816/https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-confirms-russia-used-hypersonic-missile-in-ukraine-2022-3 |url-status=live }}

Subsequent reports suggest that the Kinzhal missiles were used again on 11 April, while on 9 May, Russian Tu-22 aircraft launched three Kinzhal-type missiles at targets in the port city of Odesa.{{cite news |last1=Герасимова |first1=Таня |date=9 May 2022 |title=Russian Troops Launch Another Missile Strike On Odesa Region, 2 People Injured |publisher=Ukrainian News |url=https://ukranews.com/en/news/855795-russian-troops-launch-another-missile-strike-on-odesa-region-2-people-injured |access-date=9 May 2022 |archive-date=10 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510104607/https://ukranews.com/en/news/855795-russian-troops-launch-another-missile-strike-on-odesa-region-2-people-injured |url-status=live }} In another development, three MiG-31K fighter aircraft equipped with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles were redeployed to the Chkalovsk airfield in the Kaliningrad Region on 18 August 2022.{{cite web |date=18 August 2022 |title=MiG-31 jets with Kinzhal missiles go on combat alert in Russia's westernmost region |url=https://tass.com/defense/1495285 |access-date=19 August 2022 |archive-date=30 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830203552/https://tass.com/defense/1495285 |url-status=live }}

On 26 January 2023, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that 55 missiles, including a Kh-47 Kinzhal hypersonic missile, and 24 Shahed-136 drones had been fired at targets in Ukraine.{{Cite news |author=Daniel Boffey |date=26 January 2023 |title=Ukraine 'cannot be broken' says its top general after Russian missile attack |language=en |work=The Guardian |url=https://theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/26/ukraine-mass-missile-attack-kyiv-day-after-tanks-promise |access-date=26 January 2023 |archive-date=6 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506103121/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/26/ukraine-mass-missile-attack-kyiv-day-after-tanks-promise |url-status=live }} The Ukrainian Air Force said that they were able to shoot down all of the drones and 47 of the missiles. One person was killed and two others were injured when an apartment block in the Holosiiv district was hit during the attack.

On 9 March 2023, Ukrainian cities were hit with a barrage of 84 missiles, including 6 Kinzhals—the largest use of these missiles to date.{{Cite news |last1=Magramo |first1=Kathleen |last2=Guy |first2=Jack |last3=Sangal |first3=Aditi |last4=Vogt |first4=Adrienne |last5=Meyer |first5=Matt |date=9 March 2023 |title=Russia's war in Ukraine - Ukraine's infrastructure was hit by dozens of missile strikes Thursday |work=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-03-09-23/index.html |access-date=10 March 2023 |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310004453/https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-03-09-23/index.html |url-status=live }} See entry at 18:29

On 4 May 2023 at about 2:40 AM over Kyiv,{{cite news |url=https://euro-sd.com/2023/05/news/31497/dagger-fallen-assessing-ukraines-downing-of-the-kinzhal-missile/ |title=Dagger Fallen – Assessing Ukraine's Downing of the Kinzhal Missile |last=Cazalet |first=Mark |website=European Security & Defence |publisher=Mittler Report Verlag |location=Bonn |date=11 May 2023 |access-date=13 May 2023 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513124004/https://euro-sd.com/2023/05/news/31497/dagger-fallen-assessing-ukraines-downing-of-the-kinzhal-missile/ |url-status=live }} one Kh-47M2 missile was said to be shot down by the Ukrainian air defense forces using a MIM-104 Patriot missile defence system.{{Cite news |date=6 May 2023 |title=Ukraine downs hypersonic Russian missile using Patriot defense system |publisher=Politico |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-hypersonic-russia-missile-patriot-defense/ |access-date=7 May 2023 |archive-date=7 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507141902/https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-hypersonic-russia-missile-patriot-defense/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=6 May 2023 |title=Ukraine says it downed hypersonic Russian missile with Patriot system |publisher=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-it-downed-hypersonic-russian-missile-with-us-air-defence-system-2023-05-06/ |access-date=7 May 2023 |archive-date=7 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507143402/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-it-downed-hypersonic-russian-missile-with-us-air-defence-system-2023-05-06/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Stern |first1=David |title=Ukraine says it shot down hypersonic Russian missile with Patriot system |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/06/hypersonic-missile-patriot-ukraine-russia/ |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=6 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506193847/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/06/hypersonic-missile-patriot-ukraine-russia/ |archive-date=6 May 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |first=Scott |last=Neuman |date=6 May 2023 |title=Ukraine says its newly fielded U.S. Patriot system downed a Russian hypersonic missile |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/05/06/1174505616/ukraine-patriot-defense-russian-hypersonic-missile-kinzhal |work=NPR |access-date=6 May 2023 |archive-date=5 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605065205/https://www.npr.org/2023/05/06/1174505616/ukraine-patriot-defense-russian-hypersonic-missile-kinzhal |url-status=live }} According to CNN, the Patriot system's ability to stop an air-launched hypersonic missile was considered to be only theoretical before the claimed interception.{{cite web|title=US officials are confident in Ukraine's claim it used Patriot system to stop a hypersonic missile, source says|url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-05-07-23#h_b460a19fabadba404011bbc0ffecb47e|date=7 May 2023|access-date=10 May 2023|website=CNN|archive-date=9 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509142510/https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-05-07-23/h_b460a19fabadba404011bbc0ffecb47e|url-status=live}} On 9 May 2023, Patrick S. Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, confirmed that Ukraine downed the hypersonic missile.{{cite web|title=Pentagon: Ukraine used U.S.-made Patriot to down Russian hypersonic missile|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/may/9/pentagon-ukraine-used-us-made-patriot-down-russian/|date=9 May 2023|access-date=10 May 2023|website=The Washington Times|archive-date=10 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510025546/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/may/9/pentagon-ukraine-used-us-made-patriot-down-russian/|url-status=live}} On 10 May 2023, Vitali Klitschko showed fragments of the alleged downed Kinzhal missile for Bild journalists in Kyiv.{{cite web |url=https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/video245275898/Krieg-in-der-Ukraine-Kiew-schiesst-russische-Hyperschallrakete-vom-Typ-Kinschal-ab.html |title="Kiew spricht von einem historischen Abschuss" |trans-title="Kyiv speaks of a historic shootdown" |publisher=Welt |language=de |date=10 May 2023 |access-date=13 May 2023 |archive-date=12 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512151028/https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/video245275898/Krieg-in-der-Ukraine-Kiew-schiesst-russische-Hyperschallrakete-vom-Typ-Kinschal-ab.html |url-status=live }} Russian media alleged that the fragments closely resembled the concrete-piercing BETAB-500ShP aerial bomb.{{cite web|url=https://www.osnmedia.ru/politika/v-seti-vysmeyali-klichko-pereputavshego-kinzhal-s-obychnoj-aviabomboj/|title=В Сети высмеяли Кличко, перепутавшего "Кинжал" с обычной авиабомбой|website=osnmedia.ru|date=11 May 2023|access-date=11 May 2023|archive-date=11 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511102929/https://www.osnmedia.ru/politika/v-seti-vysmeyali-klichko-pereputavshego-kinzhal-s-obychnoj-aviabomboj/|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://eurasiantimes.com/ukraine-flaunts-kinzhal-hypersonic-missile-shot-down-by-kyiv/ |title=Ukraine Flaunts Kinzhal Hypersonic Missile Shot Down By Kyiv |last=Tiwari |first=Sakshi |website=The EurAsian Times |date=11 May 2023 |access-date=13 May 2023 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513120344/https://eurasiantimes.com/ukraine-flaunts-kinzhal-hypersonic-missile-shot-down-by-kyiv/ |url-status=live }}

On 16 May 2023, Ukraine said that they had intercepted six Kinzhal missiles fired at Kyiv overnight; Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu denied the Ukrainian claims, stating that less than six missiles had been launched.{{cite web|access-date=19 May 2023|date=16 May 2023|language=de|publisher=Tagesschau|title=Russland dementiert ukrainische Angaben zu abgefangenen Raketen|trans-title=Russia denies Ukrainian claims of intercepted missiles|url=https://www.tagesschau.de/newsticker/liveblog-ukraine-dienstag-246.html|archive-date=19 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519030340/https://www.tagesschau.de/newsticker/liveblog-ukraine-dienstag-246.html|url-status=live}} The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have destroyed a US-built Patriot surface-to-air missile defense system with a Kinzhal missile the same night.{{cite news |title=Ukraine Shoots Down Six Hypersonic Missiles Fired by Russia |url=https://www.newsweek.com/ukraine-shoots-down-six-russia-kinzal-hypersonic-missiles-1800561 |work=Newsweek |date=16 May 2023 |access-date=16 May 2023 |archive-date=16 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516101952/https://www.newsweek.com/ukraine-shoots-down-six-russia-kinzal-hypersonic-missiles-1800561 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/air-defence-systems-repelling-attacks-ukraine-early-tuesday-officials-2023-05-16/ |first1=Gleb |last1=Garanich |first2=Sergiy |last2=Karazy |title=In first, Kyiv says it shoots down volley of Russian hypersonic missiles |website=Reuters |date=16 May 2023 |access-date=16 May 2023 |archive-date=16 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516131237/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/air-defence-systems-repelling-attacks-ukraine-early-tuesday-officials-2023-05-16/ |url-status=live }} US officials confirmed that the Patriot system was damaged, but stated that the damage was minimal and that the battery has been fully operational after minor repairs.{{cite web|title=US officials say damage to Patriot missile defense system was minimal following Russian attack near Kyiv|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/16/politics/patriot-missile-damage-ukraine|date=17 May 2023|access-date=17 May 2023|website=CNN|archive-date=16 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516182048/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/16/politics/patriot-missile-damage-ukraine/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Pentagon confirms damage to Patriot system in Ukraine, says it's already repaired|url=https://kyivindependent.com/pentagon-confirms-damage-to-patriot-system-in-ukraine-says-its-already-repaired/|date=18 May 2023|access-date=18 May 2023|website=Kyiv Independent|archive-date=18 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518224202/https://kyivindependent.com/pentagon-confirms-damage-to-patriot-system-in-ukraine-says-its-already-repaired/|url-status=live}} Neither the US nor Ukrainian officials confirmed whether the damage was due to falling debris or another cause.

The Ukrainian Patriot operator that intercepted the Kinzhal missile launched on 4 May 2023 claimed that the missile travelled only at approximately {{cvt|1240|m/sec|Mach}}, which is about one-third of the maximum speed claimed by Russia and that consequently for the subsequent attack "it was just a matter of getting on with the job".{{cite news|title=How Kyiv fended off a Russian missile blitz in May|url=https://www.economist.com/europe/2023/06/13/how-kyiv-fended-off-a-russian-missile-blitz-in-may|newspaper=The Economist|date=13 June 2023|access-date=25 January 2024|quote=The Russians' "unbeatable" Kh-47 Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missile was not only beatable; but it was actually travelling at "only" around approximately 1,240 metres per second, a third of what the Russians like to claim.|archive-date=13 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613231143/https://www.economist.com/europe/2023/06/13/how-kyiv-fended-off-a-russian-missile-blitz-in-may|url-status=live}}

Operators

; {{RUS}}

Russian Aerospace Forces{{cite news | title=Russia's top brass signs a host of deals on advanced weapons delivery to Russian troops | website=TASS | date=24 August 2021 | url=https://tass.com/russia/1468041 | access-date=9 March 2023 | archive-date=9 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309183910/https://tass.com/russia/1468041 | url-status=live }}