The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is a nuclear-capable, Russian air-launched ballistic missile, likely derived from Russia’s ground-launched 9K720 Iskander-M. It was one of six “next generation” weapons unveiled by President Putin during a speech in March 2018.¹

Kinzhal Development

Although it is unclear when Kinzhal’s development began, concept schemes of Russian Iskander missiles installed on the MiG-31 fighter began circulating online around 2010. These pictures were reportedly copied from a brochure-prospectus of a Russian defense corporation.²

Based on these concept schemes, as well as the missile’s capabilities and general appearance, analysts say it is likely derived from the ground-launched 9K720 Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile.³ The benefits of creating an air-launch variant include greater range, deployability, and flexibility over ground-based Iskander missiles.⁴ Additionally, the animated Kinzhal in Putin’s March 1 speech was shown targeting naval vessels, so it may also have (or plan to develop) antiship capabilities.⁵

Russia likely developed the unique missile to more easily target critical European infrastructure (e.g. airfields, warehouses, command centers, etc.) and to counter U.S. theater missile defenses such as THAAD.⁶ An aircraft’s ability to launch from unpredictable directions would strain sectored (non-360 degree) radars, such as those currently deployed with the Patriot system. Additionally, if the Kinzhal does indeed have antiship capabilities, it may also pose a threat to U.S. and NATO aircraft carriers.

Specifications

The Kinzhal has a reported range of 1,500-2,000 km while carrying a nuclear or conventional payload of 480 kg. A July 2018 TASS news report suggested the missile’s range would exceed 3,000 km if outfitted on the Tupolev Tu-22M3 bomber.⁷ It has similar dimensions as the OTK 9M723 Iskander-M; according to one report, the Kinzhal has a length of 8 m, a body diameter of 1 m, and a launch weight of approximately 4,300 kg.⁸ There are key distinct features from the ground-based Iskander, however, including a redesigned tail section, reduced rudders, and a special stub at the missile’s tail designed to protect engine nozzles during high-speed fight.⁹

Following the launch, the Kinzhal rapidly accelerates to Mach 4 (4,900 km/h), and may reach speeds of up to Mach 10 (12,350 km/hr). This speed, in combination with the missile’s erratic flight trajectory and high maneuverability, could complicate interception.¹⁰ It is worth noting that Russia’s designation of the Kinzhal as a “hypersonic” missile is somewhat misleading, as nearly all ballistic missiles reach hypersonic speeds (i.e. above Mach 5) at some point during their flight.

Service History

The missile reportedly entered a trial period at airfields in southern Russia in December 2017.¹¹ On March 11, Russian media released footage of a reported Kinzhal test fire, which showed the missile equipped to a modified MiG-31 fighter.¹² The video does not show the resulting strike, but Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced a success: “The launch was normal; the hypersonic missile hit the preset target on the test site.”¹³ Russian reports indicate that the missile has entered service, and reports in 2018 indicated that six MiG-31s have been modified to carry the missiles and are based in Akhtubinsk in southwest Russia, about 150 km east of Volgograd.¹⁴

On March 19, 2022, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed it had fired a Kinzhal missile at a munitions depot around the town of Deliatyn in southwestern Ukraine. This marks the first known use of the weapon in combat.¹⁵ The United States was able to track the missile “in real-time” during its flight, according to CNN citing U.S. government officials.¹⁶