Image source, RUSSIAN DEFENCE MINISTRY
Russia’s Defense Ministry has announced that its forces have launched a hypersonic ballistic missile during the Ukraine war. The ministry said it had attacked and destroyed an arms depot.
If confirmed, it could be considered Russia’s first use of a hypersonic missile called the Kinsale in the Ukrainian war. This type of missile is often fired from a MiG-31 fighter jet.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stressed the need to invest in hypersonic missiles in the past. He had also deployed such missiles in their parades.
He said last December that Russia would be a world leader in the development of hypersonic missiles.
Russia has said it has destroyed a weapons depot in the Daliat region of Ukraine with a hypersonic missile. Has also released a related video.
What are hypersonic missiles?
If it is hypersonic it should go at least 5 times faster than sound. Based on that, hypersonic missiles are capable of flying at least 5 times faster than sound.
They are not as long-range as intercontinental ballistic missiles. But, it is very difficult to detect when they are flying. Some missiles escape from radar. So that missile defense systems become ineffective.
According to Russian officials, the Kinsale missile will hit a target at a distance of 2,000km (1,240 miles). Thus at 12,350 km. Can fly at speed.
Putin introduced the Kinsale missile 4 years ago. He added that they were also developing hypersonic missiles, such as the Zircon and Avoncord. Both of these can go at even higher speeds.
What is the strength of a hypersonic missile?
The Kinsale missile is capable of carrying nuclear weapons. It has been reported that the MiG-31 may have been flown to Kaliningrad, part of Russia, which is closest to European countries.
China reportedly tested hypersonic missiles last December. But China denied it. However, experts believe that the Chinese military is making progress in the production of hypersonic missiles.
There are two main types of hypersonic missiles. One of them is hypersonic glide missiles. These run into the Earth’s atmosphere. The other is the Earth’s low-lying orbital bomb system called FOBS. These fly in low orbit around the Earth until they rush towards the target.
Experts say that while hypersonic missiles are not a game-changer, they can turn certain unattainable targets into attack risk. It is especially difficult to protect aircraft carriers from hypersonic missiles.