Russia

Shoigu Rejects Ukrainian Claims on Downing of Six Kinzhal Hypersonic Missiles

Kiev's words about allegedly shooting down six Russian Kinzhal hypersonic missiles by their air defense system are not true, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu exclusively told Sputnik on Tuesday.
Sputnik
"I have already said it before and I will repeat it again: we have not launched as many Kinzhal missiles as they allegedly shoot down in their statements every time," Shoigu stated. "Moreover, the number of these 'Ukrainian interceptions,' and who really controls the US complexes is still a big question — exceeds our launches by three times. And they mistake the type of missiles all the time. That's why they don't hit them."
The Kinzhal (lit. "Dagger") is one of half-a-dozen new strategic weapons unveiled by Russian President Vladimir Putin in a speech to lawmakers in March 2018. First entering combat duty in December 2017, and seeing extensive flight and combat testing, the nuclear-capable weapon was the first hypersonic missile system to be fielded by any country.
Military
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The Kinzhal has a range of more than 2,000 km (1,200 miles). It is capable of reaching a speed of up to Mach 10 (12,250 km/h or 7,612 mph) while also performing evasive maneuvers, which helps the Kinzhal to be virtually invulnerable to enemy air missile defense systems.
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