Putin claims no foreign equivalents to Russian hypersonic missile; will keep Russia safe for decades
Russian President Vladimir Putin claims Russia's new Kinzhal hypersonic missile and the 'invincible' Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle have no foreign equivalents and will help ensure the country's security for decades. The Daily Mail reports.
Kinzhal has already been commissioned by the Russianmilitary, and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says aircraft carrying the missiles have flown 89 patrol missions this year.
The hypersonic Kinzhal travels at 10 times the speed of sound, Putin says. It is currently undergoing tests in southern Russia. It launches from a high-altitude MiG-31 fighter jet and can be fitted with either nuclear, or conventional weapons. It has an effective range of 1,250 miles.
The Avangard glide vehicle is designed to sit atop an intercontinental ballistic missile. Once launched, it uses aerodynamics to sail above the atmosphere. It is loaded with advanced countermeasure systems that enable it to skirt around missile defence systems. The Russians claim their system also is unpredictable due to its maneuverability.