The US Department of Defense has officially confirmed the destruction in Ukraine of the first Russian hypersonic missile X-47M2 “Kinzhal” (according to NATO codification – Killjoy). The corresponding statement was made by Brigadier General Pat Ryder during a press conference on May 9.

What is known

The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is an aeroballistic missile capable of reaching speeds of over 12,000 km/h (Mach 10). The maximum launch range is 2000-3000 km, depending on the type of carrier aircraft. Due to the fact that the rocket develops a speed of about Mach 10, it is considered hypersonic. In fact, it is only partly so, because it cannot maintain speed over the entire distance.

The missile was shot down in the Kyiv region on the night of May 4th. Air Force of Ukraine officially confirmed the destruction of the X-47M2 “Dagger” only a few days later. An official statement from the Pentagon had to wait even longer. At the same time, the other day one of the American officials in an interview with CNN on condition of anonymity confirmed destruction of a hypersonic missile.

The interception of the X-47M2 “Dagger” is an important event. Ukraine was able to intercept a hypersonic/aeroballistic missile for the first time. This proves that the MIM-104 Patriot can withstand this type of airborne threat. Pat Ryder also confirmed that the American MIM-104 Patriot anti-aircraft missile system was used to destroy the X-47M2.

When we say that an American Patriot was used, we are talking about the country of origin of the air defense system. General Pat Ryder did not specify which country’s anti-aircraft missile system was used to destroy the hypersonic missile. He said that the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine could answer this question. At the same time, Ryder confirmed that the US MIM-104 Patriot has already been deployed in Ukraine. Ukraine also received anti-aircraft missile systems from the Netherlands and Germany.

Source: @DeptofDefense