What is Kinzhal Missile?

About Kinzhal Missile:

• The Kh-47M2, nicknamed "Kinzhal" (Dagger), is a nuclear-capable, Russian air-launched hypersonic ballistic missile.
• It was one of six “next generation” weapons unveiled by Russian President Putin during a speech in March 2018.
• Features:
  • The Kinzhal can reach speeds of up to Mach 10 (12,350 km/hr).
  • It can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads with a payload of up to 480 kg and a thermonuclear option with a 10-50 kt warhead.
  • It has a reported range of 1,500-2,000 km.
  • The Kinzhal has a length of 8 m, a body diameter of 1 m, and a launch weight of approximately 4,300 kg.
  • It is designed to be launched from MiG-31 fighter jets at altitudes of about 18 km (59,000 ft).
  • This missile maneuvers during all stages of its flight to overcome hostile air defense systems.

What are Hypersonic Missiles?

• A hypersonic missile is a weapon system which flies at least at the speed of Mach 5e. five times the speed of sound and is manoeuvrable.
• These missiles are extremely fast and far harder for surface-to-air missile defence systems to target.

Q1) What are Ballistic Missiles?

Ballistic missiles are long-range guided missiles with a specific type of trajectory called a ballistic trajectory. These missiles are designed to travel through space and re-enter the Earth's atmosphere to strike a target on the surface with high speed and accuracy. Ballistic missiles are primarily used for military purposes, including delivering nuclear warheads, conventional explosives, or other payloads to a specific target. 

Source: Russia recognises first crew to use hypersonic missile in Ukraine, TASS reports