Patriot air defence system intercepted Russian Kh-47M2 pseudo-hypersonic missile in Kyiv region

On the morning of 11 August, the Russian Federation launched four Kh-47M2 pseudo-hypersonic missiles at Ukraine. Air defence troops were only able to shoot down one of them.

Here's What We Know

The reason for the low effectiveness is the lack of Patriot air defence systems. The missiles were launched by four MiG-31K fighters and entered Ukrainian airspace from the northern side.

The Kh-47M2s were travelling towards Kolomyia airfield in Ivano-Frankivsk region. One pseudo-hypersonic missile was destroyed within the Kyiv region, while the others struck near the airfield.

The Ukrainian Air Force claimed hits on civilian infrastructure and the residential sector. One child was killed in the missile strike.

We refer to the Kh-47M2 as pseudohypersonic missiles because they are an Iskander ballistic missile modified to be launched from an aircraft. In the terminal phase of flight, its speed is far from hypersonic (6174 km/h).

To counter the Kh-47M2, Ukraine has Patriot surface-to-air missile systems. The US Army recently confirmed the transfer of five types of interceptors, including the PAC-3 MSE. We have a separate large text about it.

Source: @kpszsu