Kh-38ML: Mach 2.2 air-to-ground missile, range 40 km.
The Russian Air Force used Kh-38ML missiles launched from Su-34s to strike targets in the Kharkiv region; they have a speed of 2,700 km/h, a range of approximately 40 km, a 250 kg warhead, and are used in conjunction with laser-guided UAVs.
The Kh-38ML air-to-ground missile is used by the Russian Air Force to target Kyiv's armed forces, according to the Telegram channel Fighterbomber. This weapon reaches a maximum speed of 2,700 km/h (Mach 2.2), has a range of approximately 40 km, and carries a high-explosive warhead of about 250 kg. Guidance is based on a laser beam projected from a UAV, increasing accuracy when striking a specific target.
Event Overview
According to the source, the Kh-38ML was launched from a Su-34 frontline bomber, striking the roof of a two-story building in the Kharkiv area, penetrating and exploding from the inside. The explosion created a column of smoke and dust tens of meters high, indicating significant damage to a stationary target.
The specifications are stated in the source.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum speed | 2,700 km/h (Mach 2.2) |
| Shooting range | about 40 km |
| Total weight | 520 kg |
| Warhead | khoảng 250 kg, nổ mạnh |
| Phương thức dẫn | chiếu chùm laser định vị bởi UAV |
| Nền tảng phóng | Su-34 |
Phân tích kỹ thuật
Với tổng trọng lượng 520 kg và đầu đạn khoảng 250 kg, Kh-38ML hướng tới khả năng sát thương cao trên mục tiêu điểm. Tốc độ tới Mach 2,2 rút ngắn đáng kể thời gian bay trên quãng đường 40 km, hạn chế cơ hội phản ứng của phòng không tầm gần đối phương. Cơ chế chiếu xạ laser từ UAV cho phép duy trì bám bắt mục tiêu trong giai đoạn cuối, phù hợp với các mục tiêu cố định hoặc bán cố định có tọa độ không ổn định.
Trường hợp công bố cho thấy đòn đánh từ góc cao, xuyên qua mái công trình rồi nổ bên trong, khai thác hiệu ứng nổ trong không gian kín để tối đa hóa sát thương cấu trúc và trang bị bên trong.
Chiến thuật triển khai
The Kh-38ML requires coordination between the launch aircraft and the reconnaissance/illumination UAV. The UAV approaches the target to illuminate it with a laser beam, while the launch aircraft deploys it outside the target area. With a range of approximately 40 km, the launch aircraft must operate close enough to enemy airspace, requiring risk management against medium- and short-range air defenses.
- Key advantages: high speed, laser guidance for point accuracy.
- Main limitations: short range, requiring close coordination between fighter jets and UAVs.
Impact on air defense
The Mach 2.2 speed during the dive shortens the time frame for detecting, tracking, and intercepting the target at close range. However, the 40 km range forces the attacker to deal with the outermost air defenses around the target area or choose a safe approach corridor before activating the laser irradiation sequence and launching the missile.
Related variants
Based on the Kh-38, the Russian Federation developed the Grom-E1, a hybrid "missile bomb." According to sources, this weapon is currently being used in limited quantities by the Russian Aerospace Forces. The article does not provide further specifications, so a detailed comparison with the Kh-38ML is not possible.
Conclude
The Kh-38ML demonstrates a target-attack model based on high speed, a heavy warhead, and laser guidance in conjunction with UAVs. Its accuracy was highlighted in the launch from a Su-34 in the Kharkiv region. The biggest limitation is its range of approximately 40 km, requiring close coordinated combat operations to minimize risks when approaching the target area.