// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Kinzhal
The Kinzhal is a powerful, air-launched Russian missile that can fly at incredibly high speeds, making it very hard for enemy defenses to stop. It's designed to hit targets on land or sea and can carry different types of warheads.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Kinzhal (NATO reporting name AS-24 Killjoy) is a Russian air-launched, nuclear-capable hypersonic aeroballistic missile system, primarily deployed from MiG-31K interceptors, designed for high-speed (Mach 10+) conventional and nuclear strikes against ground and naval targets by evading existing missile defense systems.
BACKGROUND
The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is a Russian air-launched ballistic missile. It has an estimated range of 460–480 km (290–300 mi) and a reported top speed of Mach 10. It can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads and can be launched by Tu-22M3 bombers, MiG-31K interceptors, or modified Su-34 fighter–bombers.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Hypersonic missile
- Air-launched ballistic missile
- AS-24 Killjoy
- Russian hypersonic weapon
- Aeroballistic missile
USAGE NOTE
The Kinzhal is often cited as a key component of Russia's next-generation strategic weapons arsenal due to its purported invulnerability to current air defense systems.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Kinzhal.
A leading Russian defense enterprise specializing in the development and production of various missile systems, including the Iskander-M ballistic missile system, from which the Kinzhal hypersonic missile is derived.
A major Russian defense holding company that consolidates various missile and aerospace manufacturers and design bureaus, including those responsible for the core technology of the Kinzhal missile.
A Russian aerospace and defense corporation that develops and manufactures military and civil aircraft, including the MiG-31K interceptor, which serves as the launch platform for the Kinzhal hypersonic missile.
A leading Russian aircraft manufacturer, part of the United Aircraft Corporation, responsible for designing combat aircraft such as the MiG-31 and its modifications, including the MiG-31K Kinzhal carrier.
A prominent Russian research and development institute specializing in advanced radar systems for combat aircraft and air defense, likely involved in the targeting and guidance systems for the Kinzhal carrier aircraft.
A Russian developer of integrated avionics, navigation, flight control systems, and cockpit displays for various military aircraft, potentially contributing to the modernized MiG-31K's systems for Kinzhal deployment.
A Russian manufacturer of advanced avionics, radar stations, and electronic equipment for military aircraft, potentially involved in producing components for the Kinzhal-carrying MiG-31K platform.