Defense Express acquired a photo of russian Kh-101 cruise missile that had been downed during a recent large-scale strike on Ukraine on May 8, 2024. Notably, the missile had a serial number indicating it was manufactured in the second quarter of 2024, suggesting it was freshly taken from the production line for use against Ukraine.
What set this Kh-101 apart was its dual warhead configuration. Alongside the standard 450-kilogram warhead, it carried an additional 350-kilogram warhead, totaling 800 kilograms. The utilization of russian cruise missiles with this innovation in strikes against Ukraine was first observed in late March 2024, indicating a potential deployment of the Kh-101 missiles with dual warheads by the russian military-industrial complex. Current data suggests that russia achieved the dual warhead capability on the Kh-101 by reducing the fuel tank size, thereby shortening the flight range from approximately 5500 kilometers to 2250 kilometers.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence Confirms russia Upgrades its Kh-101 Missile with Dual Warheads
This adaptation allowed for increased destructive power while maintaining adequate range for strikes within Ukrainian territory. For perspective, a 2250-kilometer range could theoretically cover a flight from russia’s Saratov region to Ukraine’s Lviv region, with a reserve of 500-700 kilometers for mid-flight maneuvers. However, questions persist regarding potential modifications to the guidance system and other onboard equipment for the dual-warhead. Notably, both warheads failed to detonate upon the missile’s downing.
An ongoing question revolves around the detonation process of dual warheads on properly equipped Kh-101 missiles used in strikes against Ukraine. Publicly available data indicates that in the 2010s, russia explored a concept where the warhead could split into two parts, dropping one part by parachute 100 kilometers from the primary target while directing the second part towards it. However, this concept wasn’t fully developed at that time. The russians formally announced their work on enhancing the Kh-101 missiles’ warhead to 800 kilograms in January 2024.
The use of such missiles targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure might suggest that russia, aware of Ukrainian air defense systems, is seeking alternative methods to escalate the destructive impact of its attacks.
Read more: russia Started Production of the Kh-101 With Two Warheads, Making the Missile Twice As Dangerous
