Russian Security Source Claims Kinzhal Hypersonic Missiles Overwhelm Ukrainian Air Defenses

Russia’s Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic missiles strike terror into the Ukrainian armed forces in the rear, as the Ukrainian air defenses, although equipped with the Patriot interceptor surface-to-air missile system, are largely ineffective against them, a Russian security source told TASS.

"At a distance from the line of contact, where there are no FPV drones or artillery shelling, high-power precision weapons cause panic. Kinzhal hypersonic missiles are particularly noteworthy, as the Ukrainian air defense system is simply ineffective against them. The missile’s speed is Mach 10, and air defense systems, including the American Patriot systems, cannot react in time," the source said.

He added that the recent Kinzhal strikes on locations housing NATO officers came as a complete surprise and shock to the enemy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined the characteristics of the Kinzhal missile system in his address to the Federal Assembly on March 1, 2018: it has a speed ten times the speed of sound and a range of over 2,000 km. The missile maneuvers at all stages of its trajectory, allowing it to penetrate all air and missile defense systems, and is equipped with conventional and nuclear warheads. The warhead weighs 500 kg. The Kinzhal missile has a low radar signature, is highly maneuverable, and is designed to destroy both land and sea targets.