Pentagon officially confirms destruction of Russia's first Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missile by US MIM-104 Patriot air defence system in Ukraine
The US Department of Defence has officially confirmed the destruction in Ukraine of Russia's first Kh-47M2 Kinzhal (NATO-codified "Killjoy") hypersonic missile. Brigadier General Pat Ryder made the announcement during a press conference on 9 May.
Here's What We Know
The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is an aeroballistic missile which can reach a speed of over 12,000 km/h (Mach 10). It has a maximum launch range of 2,000-3,000 km, depending on the type of carrier aircraft. Due to the fact that the missile has a speed of around Mach 10, it is considered hypersonic. In reality, however, it is only partially so, as it cannot maintain speed over its entire range.
The missile was shot down in the Kyiv region on the night of May 4. The Ukrainian Air Force officially confirmed the destruction of the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal only days later. The Pentagon's official statement had to wait even longer. However, the other day a US official confirmed the destruction of the hypersonic missile in an interview with CNN on condition of anonymity.
The interception of the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is an important development. This is the first time Ukraine has been able to intercept a hypersonic/aeroballistic missile. This proves that the MIM-104 Patriot can counter this type of airborne threat. Pat Ryder also confirmed that the US MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system was used to destroy the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal.
When we say an American Patriot was used, it refers to the country of origin of the air defence system. General Pat Ryder did not specify which country's surface-to-air missile system was used to destroy the hypersonic missile. He said that this question could be answered by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. At the same time, Ryder confirmed that the US MIM-104 Patriot is already deployed in Ukraine. Ukraine has also received anti-aircraft missile systems from the Netherlands and Germany.
Source: @DeptofDefense