According to Defense Romania, after Ukraine had successfully shot down the Kh-47 Kinzhal missile, the russians stated looking for a way to rehabilitate. Rosoboronexport announced that it is ready to export the X-31PD antiradar missiles, which supposedly can be transformed into the “AEW&C aircraft killer” or used to strike at radars or radar stations of medium and long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.
At the same time, the russians claim that they managed to modify the X-31PD missile even under the conditions of sanctions so that it could withstand the Patriot surface-to-air missile system.
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In fact, the serial production of the X-31PD missile started in 2012. This missile differs from the basic version with an increased starting weight of up to 715 kg, an increased warhead up to 110 kg, and a claimed launch range of up to 250 km.
The Patriot SAM system has a maximum firing range of up to 160 km (provided that the PAC-2 missile is fired at planes or cruise missiles). However, the radio-technical parameters of the Patriot's radar system must be programmed into the guidance system's memory of the X-31PD missile so that it could withstand. It is unlikely that the russians have such data and it is doubtful that there are technological capabilities to “reprogram” the missile properly.
Moreover, theoretically, it is possible that the “AEW&C aircraft killer” could be targeted at exports, such as to India because China has a big fleet of radar surveillance aircraft. However, it is difficult to say how effective such weapon would be in real-world scenarios, and whether or not russia could use the Kh-31PD missile in a war against Ukraine.
As Defense Express previously reported, How russians Wasted Kh-31P and Kh-58 Missiles And Failed to Destroy Ukraine’s Air Defense.
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