🧐 What is the Kinzhal?

🧐 What is the Kinzhal? ▪️ The Kinzhal (lit. “dagger“) is one of a half-dozen new strategic weapons unveiled by Vladimir Putin. ▪️ The nuclear-capable weapon, which first entered combat service in December 2017, is the first hypersonic missile system to be deployed by any country. ▪️ Carried by modified MiG-31 jets, Tupolev Tu-22 or Tu-160 strategic bombers, Kinzhals have an operational speed of Mach 10-13 (11,200-14,500 feet/second) and a range of up to 2,000 km when launched from MiG-31Ks or over 3,000 km when launched from Tu-22M3s. Equipped with an inertial navigation system, GLONASS, AWACS and/or an optical seeker to guide the missile to its target, the Kinzhal carries a 500 kg high-explosive warhead or, in nuclear mode, a 5-50 kiloton payload. ▪️ Russia has used Kinzhals extensively in its proxy war with NATO in Ukraine, targeting ammunition and fuel depots, ports, and, after last fall’s attack on the Crimean Bridge, Ukrainian energy infrastructure. ▪️ On May 16, a US Patriot system was hit by a Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missile in Kiev, proving once again the effectiveness of Russia’s new strategic weapon. Subscribe to [club80289214|@SputnikInt] Источник: Sputnik International