The Russian Air Force probably used Kh-69 missiles, an analog of the long-range Storm Shadow or Taurus missiles, to attack Ukraine. Such a move demonstrates Russia’s readiness to use a new type of weapon.
THE WAR ZONE analysts draw attention to the publication of a Ukrainian military blogger who posted a photo with what is likely a fragment of a downed Kh-69 missile. He claims that Russia used these missiles to shell Ukraine on February 7. In addition, a Ukrainian air threat monitoring resource also mentioned using three of the newest missiles of this type.
The Kh-69 is designed to hit hard-to-reach targets, with a range of 290 kilometers and a warhead weight of 310 kilograms. Defense Express military observers emphasize that the Kh-69 was detected by Ukrainian air defense even though it is made using low-observable technology.
Production of the Kh-69 missile was launched in the Russian Federation in February 2023, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). Seven months later, the long-range weapon was undergoing flight tests.
“The use of this missile indicates Russia’s willingness to use a freshly manufactured weapon in its war against Ukraine,” writes THE WAR ZONE.
The Ukrainian Air Force earlier reported that Ukrainian specialists are conducting expert examinations and studying the debris of the missiles shot down on February 7 to determine their type accurately.
