Through various Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) sources such as official and associated media, there has been an observed increase in the use of the new stealth cruise missiles Kh-69 by the Russian Aerospace Forces against targets in Ukraine. Recently added to the Russian inventory deployed in Ukraine, this new missile is undergoing various improvements as aviation regiments increasingly utilize it.
Developed by the Russian Tactical Missile Corporation and associated companies like MKB Raduga, the Kh-69 was originally unveiled in 2022 during international exhibitions in Russia. While it was still undergoing testing in 2023, by 2024, the Kh-69 began to be employed by the Russian Aerospace Forces against ground targets in Ukraine. This indicates that the new cruise missile is either in a field testing phase or has already been integrated into the force through various delivered batches.
Characterized as a subsonic cruise missile with a range of 400 kilometers, the Kh-69 incorporates stealth features in its design to evade Ukrainian defense systems. This functionality presumably addresses feedback and operational requirements from the Russian Armed Forces to counter Ukraine’s extensive array of anti-aircraft systems of various origins, capabilities, and ranges within the Theater of Operations.
In a recent interview, Sergei Bogatikov, Director General of the State Design Bureau “Raduga,” detailed aspects of the Kh-69 development and its operational use in the Theater of Operations. He stated, “To enhance the effectiveness of anti-ship missiles against ground targets, we are analyzing results and usage conditions together with units of the Russian Ministry of Defense. Based on this analysis, work has begun to improve onboard equipment and software. It is worth noting that analysis of combat usage results and expanding onboard equipment capabilities is ongoing during special military operations.”
Regarding the technical characteristics and capabilities of the Kh-69, Bogatikov added, “The Kh-69 missile is the world’s first and, so far, the only long-range cruise missile that fits into the weapon bays of frontline aircraft. The missile’s compactness is combined with a high level of tactical and technical characteristics: long flight range, high impact accuracy (CEP – 5-7 meters), a powerful penetrating warhead (weight – 300 kg), and an extremely minimized radar signature level. The Kh-69 missile has provided frontline aircraft with a fundamentally new capability: the ability to strike deep into operational depths beyond the combat contact line and launch the missile out of reach of enemy air defense systems.”
This information gains relevance as one of the launch platforms for the new Kh-69 missiles could be the new Su-57 stealth fighters, which have internal bays for deploying various types of missiles. Although the presence of the Su-57 (NATO designation Felon) within Ukrainian airspace has not been confirmed, Western sources such as the UK Ministry of Defense indicate the use of stealth fighters from Russian territory to carry out cruise missile attacks on targets in Ukraine, presumably employing the new Kh-69.
*Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
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