Kh-101 mounted on pylons. Photo: Russia MoD.
The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) have used Kh-101 stealth cruise missiles in their recent strike on military airfields in Ukraine’s Odessa oblast.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the pinpoint missiles strike, which took place on the morning of May 7, destroyed equipment and systems of the Ukrainian Air Force, including a number of drones.
Ukrainian sources shared several videos showing Kh-101 cruise missiles heading towards their targets in Odessa. At least four missiles were reportedly used in the strike.
The Kh-101, which was developed by MKB Raduga, is an air-launched cruise missile with a stealth design. The missile is said to has a a maximum range of 4500–5500 kilometers and a variable flight profile at altitudes ranging from 30 – 70 meters to 6000 meters with a cruising speed of 190–200 meters per second and a maximum speed of 250–270 meters per second.
The missile is reportedly armed with a 400–450 kg conventional warhead. A nuclear armed version of the missile dubbed the Kh-102 was also developed.
The Kh-101 is guided by a GLONASS-aided INS [inertial navigation system]. The precision-guided missile, which is reportedly re-targetable, can be also equipped with a radar or optical seeker for terminal guidance.
The stealth missile can be launched from the Tu-160 strategic bomber as well as from the Tu-95MS and Tu-95MSM cruise missiles carriers.
The VKS has been using the Kh-101 and several other types of air-launched cruise missiles to strike high-value military targets of Kiev forces since the start of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine.
The Kh-101 unique stealth design makes it the perfect weapon to strike high-value targets in well-protected areas from a stand-off distance with pinpoint accuracy.
