Ukraine shoots down Russian hypersonic missile “Dagger” with Patriot

Kinzhal, which means "Dagger" in Russian, is one of six "new generation" weapons unveiled by President Vladimir Putin in 2018.

Ukraine declares sale of Russian hypersonic missile by Patriot image 1 — An aircraft carrying a Dagger hypersonic ballistic missile. Photo: GI

The Kh-47 Kinzhal missile was shot down late Thursday outside the capital Kiev, Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oeshchuk said. They added that it was shot down by a US Patriot air defense system.

"I congratulate the Ukrainian people on the historic event. Yes, we shot down the 'unparalleled' Kinzhal," he said on the Telegram app.

The US Patriot system is one of a series of sophisticated air defence units provided by the West to help Ukraine defend against Russian air strikes. The US Patriot missiles were only delivered to Ukraine last month.

Russia has not yet responded to the incident, but has previously stated that the Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missile has no equivalent in the West.

This air-launched missile can reach speeds of up to Mach 10 (equivalent to 12,350 km/h), and is capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads. It has a range of 1,500 to 2,000 km.

Ukraine declares sale of Russian hypersonic missile by Patriot image 2 — A Patriot air defense system fires. Photo: AFP

Ukraine said the missile was fired in conjunction with a Russian drone attack on Kiev and other cities on Thursday. Previously, the Ukrainian air force was believed to be incapable of shooting it down.

Thursday's airstrike came less than a day after Russia accused Ukraine of a failed plot to assassinate President Vladimir Putin in a drone attack on the Kremlin and threatened to retaliate.

Russia has stepped up air strikes on parts of Ukraine over the past week as Kiev prepares for a major counter-offensive in Russian-annexed territories in the south and east of the country.

The Kinzhal missile has been used multiple times in Ukraine. The first use of the weapon in combat was when Russia said it fired a missile at an ammunition dump in southwestern Ukraine on March 19, 2022.

The Ukrainian Air Force also said on Saturday that it had shot down eight Russian drones in eastern and southeastern Ukraine during an overnight airstrike.

Bui Huy (according to Reuters, CNA)

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