'We'll surprise the world': Ukraine hints at game-changing defense against Russia's Kinzhals and Zircons
Photo: Pavlo Palisa (Getty Images)
Advisor to the Office of the President of Ukraine, Pavlo Palisa, stated in his interview with Report that from now on, Ukraine independently produces almost half of everything necessary to conduct the war. Also, the development of its own air defense systems continues.
According to him, this became possible both thanks to internal efforts and thanks to cooperation with international partners, through joint production and the creation of enterprises.
“We are further ready to increase these volumes,” Palisa emphasized.
He also added that in the near future, Ukraine “will definitely surprise the world, and not just once.”
Separately, the presidential advisor emphasized the importance of airspace protection. In particular, work is underway on complexes of different ranges and specifics for guaranteed protection of Ukrainian territory against ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as Shahed‑type drones.
According to him, some of the technological solutions are already in the final stage, and some of them have passed combat tests and were used to accomplish real tasks in conditions of tactical trickery from the adversary.
“We are making significant efforts in the development of our own anti‑aircraft missile systems, we are working on an effective solution to shoot down ballistic, aeroballistic, hypersonic missiles, as well as on an effective and cheap way to destroy Shaheds,” Palisa noted.
It should be noted that although the deputy head of the President’s Office did not name specific missile types, judging by his words, he was referring to ballistic Iskanders, aeroballistic Kinzhals, and hypersonic Zircons, which Russia uses to attack Ukraine.
Moreover, Palisa effectively confirmed the development of Ukrainian analogues of Patriot systems.
Kinzhals and Zircons missiles
The Russian Federation has in its arsenal the aeroballistic missile Kinzhal and the hypersonic cruise missile Zircon. These two missiles are quite difficult for air defense forces to intercept.
The Kinzhal (Kh-47M2) is a Russian aeroballistic missile launched from MiG-31K interceptor fighter jets. It can reach speeds of up to Mach 10 (over 12,000 km/h) and hit targets at distances of up to 2,000 km. The Kinzhal is positioned as a hypersonic weapon that is difficult to intercept with modern air defense systems.
According to Russia’s statements, the Kinzhal can carry either a conventional or a nuclear warhead. The missile flies along a ballistic trajectory, but due to its high speed and maneuverability in the final stage of its flight, it is extremely difficult to destroy. In 2023–2024, Ukrainian air defense (in particular, the Patriot systems) successfully intercepted Kinzhals several times, refuting the myth of their complete invulnerability.
The Zircon (3M22) is a sea-launched hypersonic cruise missile developed to destroy ships and ground targets. It can fly at speeds above Mach 8 (over 9,800 km/h) and hit targets at distances of up to 1,000 km. Its distinguishing feature is hypersonic flight in dense layers of the atmosphere, which complicates detection and interception by air defense systems.
The Zircon is designed to penetrate enemy anti-ship defenses and strike aircraft carrier groups, NATO fleets, and strategically important coastal targets. Russia presents it as a breakthrough technology in the field of hypersonic weaponry. At the same time, independent confirmations of the Zircon’s combat use were long lacking; however, in 2024, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported the first attacks involving these missiles. Their appearance on the front line indicates the expansion of Russia’s high-speed weapons arsenal, although their effectiveness in real conditions is still being actively analyzed.
