Russian Aerospace Forces Step Up Use of New Kh-69 Stealth Missiles Against Targets in Ukraine

Through various open sources of information (OSINT) such as official and related media, the use of the new Kh-69 stealth cruise missiles has been observed by the Russian Aerospace Forces. The new missile, which was incorporated into Russian inventory recently deployed against Ukraine, has undergone various improvements as it has found greater use by air squadrons.

Developed by the Russian Federation Tactical Missile Corporation and related companies such as MKB Raduka, it was first released in 2022 within the framework of international exhibitions held in Russia. Although it was still in the testing phase in 2023, in 2024, the Kh-69 began to be used by the Russian Aerospace Forces against ground targets in Ukraine; This would indicate that the new cruise missile is in a field test phase or, on the contrary, is part of various modules that have already been delivered as part of the force’s inventory.

As for its characteristics, it is a subsonic cruise missile with a range of 400 kilometers that includes stealth characteristics in its design to defeat Ukrainian defense systems. This operation implicitly draws on the concept and operational requirements of the Russian Armed Forces, which must counter a large number of anti-aircraft systems of various origins, capabilities and limitations that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have in the theater of operations.

In a recent interview, General Director of the State Design Bureau “Ratuka” Sergey Bogadikov described some details about the development of the Kh-69 and its use in the operational arena. He said about this:In order to increase the effectiveness of the use of anti-ship missiles against ground targets, we analyze the results and current conditions of use together with units of the Russian Ministry of Defense. Based on this analysis, work has been initiated to improve internal hardware and software. It should be noted that the analysis of the results of combat use and the expansion of the capabilities of internal equipment are carried out continuously during special military operations.

More about the technical characteristics and capabilities of the Kh-69: “The Kh-69 missile is the world’s first and, so far, the only long-range cruise missile placed in the weapons bay of a flagship aircraft. The shortness of the missile is combined with a high level of tactical and technical characteristics: a long flight range, high hit accuracy (CEP – 5-7 meters), a powerful penetrating warhead (weight – 300 kg) and a very low-level radar. Signature. The Kh-69 missile has provided a fundamentally new standard for front-line aircraft: the ability to strike at operational depth behind the line of combat contact and launch the missile beyond the range of enemy air defense systems.”.

As one of the launchers used by the new Kh-69 missiles could be the new Su-57 stealth fighters, the earlier mentioned gains relevance. Although the presence of the Felon (NATO’s designation for a Sukhoi and UAC-produced fighter) within Ukrainian airspace has not been confirmed, Western sources such as the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense have indicated stealth use. fighters from Russian territory to launch cruise missile attacks on targets in Ukraine; Can be used for new Kh-69.

*Photos used for production.

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