(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The military personnel of Ukraine are said to be very concerned about the latest intelligence reports stating that Russia is “getting closer” to deploying its mysterious missile, the KH-50, into the conflict between the two countries.
The Russian KH-50 guided missile is said to be poised to “rewrite” the rules of engagement due to its design features that combine stealth, agility, and precision in its firepower.
Despite Russia possessing various types of guided missiles in its arsenal, most of these, as analysts have pointed out, have proven to be less effective in the current Ukraine-Russia conflict.
One of the primary issues with Russian guided missiles is their size, making them easily detectable and manageable by the Ukrainian air defense systems, as well as their insufficient range.
For example, guided missiles like the KH-101 and KH-55 require large launcher systems, making them easily detectable by U.S. spy satellites, while Russia’s “non-stealth” guided missiles are easily tracked and evaded by Ukraine.
Russia’s challenge is that it lacks a sufficient number of guided missiles capable of “penetrating” the Ukrainian air defense system.
Hence, Russian military officials are highly enthusiastic about the KH-50 guided missile developed by the Raduga Design Bureau of Dubna under the Kh-SD (Sredney Dalnosti, medium-range program).
With a length of approximately 6 meters and a weight of 1,600 kg, the Russian KH-50 guided missile is equipped with the OMKB Izdeliye 37-04 turbofan engine, allowing it to cruise at a speed of 700 km/h and reach a maximum speed of 950 km/h.
The guided missile is designed to carry 450 kg of explosive material and fly a distance of 1,500 km to hit its target.
According to international defense analysts, the KH-50 guided missile is nearly identical to the Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG cruise missiles developed by the United Kingdom and France.
Among its key features are its stealth and low radar detection rate. The KH-50 guided missile is designed to have a low radar detection rate, thanks to its smaller size, making it challenging for enemy air defense systems to track and trace.
Additionally, the KH-50 guided missile is equipped with electronic warfare systems to evade radar detection and defend itself against enemy air defense systems and guided missiles.
Designed to fly at low altitudes, the KH-50 can navigate through airspace densely populated with enemy air defense systems while avoiding radar detection.
The KH-50 is equipped with a system called “Otblesk,” an electro-optical system for navigation and target identification. This advanced system enhances its accuracy and targeting capabilities.
With a range of over 1,500 km, the KH-50 guided missile balances its ability to target strategic objectives while minimizing costs, thereby enhancing its operational effectiveness.
Defense analysts believe that the introduction of the KH-50 guided missile by Russia in the Ukraine conflict has the potential to shift the balance of power in its favor.
The capabilities of the guided missile enable it to penetrate the current Ukrainian air defense system, which includes Western air defense systems such as NASAMS, IRIS-T, and Patriot.
If the potential of the KH-50, as anticipated by analysts, holds true, it will leave a profound impact on the course of the conflict that erupted in February of last year.
The advanced features of Russia’s guided missile, such as its low radar detection rate, defense systems, and agility, pose a significant threat to the Ukrainian military, potentially altering the dynamics of the war.
Moreover, it provides Russia with the capability to execute precise attacks while minimizing the risk of evasion by the Ukrainian air defense system. — DSA
DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA APPS
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