Russian forces are domestically producing and fielding a new air-to-surface subsonic cruise missile against Ukraine designated the Kh-69 as part of continued efforts to improve strike packages and penetrate Ukraine’s degraded air defense.
The russian forces have reportedly launched the Kh-69 missiles from 400 kilometers away from their targets, exceeding a previous estimated range of 300 kilometers and the 200-kilometer range of the most recent Kh-59MK2 variant.
Read more: The russians Used the Latest Kh-69 Missiles to Attack the Trypilska TPP
Russian forces can reportedly launch the missiles from more numerous Su-34 and Su-35 tactical aircraft rather than exclusively from strategic bombers.
Ukrainian Air Force Spokesperson Major Illia Yevlash stated that russian forces are domestically producing the Kh-69 missiles but that their ability to manufacture the missiles depends on their ability to source critical components.
While the russian stockpiles and production capability of these Kh-69 missiles are unclear, russia is unlikely to be able to produce them at a significantly greater speed or quantity than its other domestically produced missiles. Illia Yevlash noted that Ukrainian forces are still developing methods to counter the Kh-69 missiles but emphasized that Patriot air defense systems would likely be able to intercept them.
Read more: russia Started Using Kh-69 Cruise Missiles, What Makes Them Special
