Russian Killjoy hypersonic missile tried to destroy the MIM-104 Patriot system, but was shot down on approach

More than a week has passed since the first destruction of Russia's Kh-47M2 Kinzhal (NATO's Killjoy) hypersonic ballistic missile. But new interesting information has appeared the day before.

Here's What We Know

The missile was intercepted by the MIM-104 Patriot air defence system in the Kiev region. The historic event happened on the night of May 4. This has already been officially confirmed by both the Ukrainian Air Force and the US Department of Defence.

As it became known, hypersonic missile X-47M2 Killjoy tried to destroy exactly MIM-104 Patriot system. This was reported by CNN citing two US officials who agreed to speak on condition of anonymity.

The MIM-104 Patriot operators fired two interceptors at different angles to shoot down the Russian hypersonic missile. According to US officials, this demonstrates how quickly Ukrainian specialists have mastered the state-of-the-art US surface-to-air missile system.

The MIM-104 Patriot includes a powerful radar station that is capable of detecting approaching air threats at long distances. This is usually the AN/MPQ-53 or the more powerful AN/MPQ-65, as pictured below. It makes the Patriot a powerful air defence platform that can intercept ballistic missiles.

However, the radar has a strong radiation signature. US authorities believe the Russians were able to pick up signals from the radar station. This allowed them to locate and target the Kh-47M2 Killjoy hypersonic missile against the MIM-104 Patriot complex. However, it was shot down on approach.

Source: CNN