Russia successfully tested air-launched 'dagger' missile

Russia’s new Kinzhal (Dagger) air-launched hypersonic missile has been successfully tested in icy conditions in the Arctic, TASS reported, citing sources in the Russian Defense Ministry. The missile accurately hit a land target during its first test.

The test took place in mid-November in the Pemboi Range in the Komi Republic in northwestern Russia. The Kinzhal hypersonic missile was launched from a MiG-31K interceptor, known to NATO as the Foxhound. “During the launch, the Kinzhal missile reached a speed of Mach 10 (over 12,000 km/h),” an unnamed official told TASS.

Kinzhal is one of the hypersonic missiles that will soon be transferred to the Russian military. Previously, Russia also successfully tested the Avangard hypersonic missile. According to the plan, the first Avangard missile will be put into service with the Russian military before the end of 2019. The development of the Zircon (Tsirkon) missile, which is designed to be launched from warships, is also being deployed by Russia.

Russia has been increasing its military presence in the Arctic in recent years, building and repairing bases and airfields, as well as deploying its latest hardware, including the S-400 air defense system. Russia also regularly conducts military exercises in the region./.