Russian Hypersonic Missiles
The US is aware of Russian hypersonic missiles launched towards Ukraine as confirmed by US President Joe Biden. Many are concerned about this advanced weaponry and here is why.
“And if you’ll notice, (Russia has) just launched the hypersonic missile, because it’s the only thing that they can get through with absolute certainty,” Biden said. “It’s a consequential weapon … it’s almost impossible to stop it. There’s a reason they’re using it.”
All missiles are considered hypersonic since they travel five times the speed of sound. It is an existing technology that many countries possess. Any rocket missile launching in the atmosphere will reach the same speed.
HGV
Experts are concerned if it is a Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV). This particular missile can fly low and undetected by radar, almost impossible to intersect. It can also adjust its course and altitude while on its flight.
Russia is thought to have this technology named the Avangard system which President Vladimir Putin announced in 2018. He said it was “practically invulnerable” to any Western air defenses.
The Kinzhal missile that was launched by Russia is not an HGV. A part of its advantage is that it can be launched using the MiG-31 fighter jets. This gives it a longer range and the ability to be launched from multiple directions.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies reported the capabilities of these missiles.
“The MiG-31K can strike from unpredictable directions and could avoid interception attempts altogether. The flying carrier vehicle might also be more survivable than the road-mobile Iskander system,” the report said. “This suggests that claims of the Kinzhal’s invulnerability to missile defense systems may also be somewhat exaggerated”.
Although the US is aware of one instance it was launched, the question as to why it was launched is still unanswered. It is not necessarily an escalation of the war but could be related to other internal problems.