Putin's 'superweapon' fails to reach targets in Ukraine - UK intelligence
Kinzhal missiles fail to reach targets in Ukraine (Getty Images)
Putin has declared the ballistic Kinzhal missiles (NATO reporting name AS-24 Killjoy) as his "super weapon" playing a crucial role in the Kremlin's military doctrine. However, Ukrainian air defense has been successfully intercepting these missiles, according to the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom.
According to the summary, on December 14, the Russian Air Force highly likely carried out the first use of a Kinzhal air launched ballistic missile since August 2023. Russia launched at least one missile into central Ukraine, likely targeting a military airfield.
According to British intelligence, one of the six 'super weapons' President Putin announced in 2018, Kinzhal has been ear-marked to play a major role in Russia’s future military doctrine. In the Ukraine war, Russia has reserved the weapon for what it perceives as high value, well defended targets.
Russia has previously employed Kinzhаl missiles.
"Many of its launches have likely missed their intended targets, while Ukraine has also succeeded in intercepting attacks by this supposedly 'undefeatable' system," added the Ministry of Defense of Britain.
