Investing.com - In a recent display of defense capabilities, Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted six hypersonic Kinzhal missiles launched by Russia during an intense aerial attack on Kyiv. This bold operation is considered one of the most significant since March and showcases Ukraine's growing ability to counteract Russia's advanced aerial weaponry.
Early Tuesday morning, Russian forces initiated their assault from multiple directions using various types of missiles and attack drones. Among these were six Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles fired from MiG-31K aircraft, nine Kalibr cruise missiles originating from Black Sea ships, and three land-based S-400 and Iskander-M ballistic missiles. According to Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, all incoming attacks were effectively neutralized.
The interception of the powerful Kinzhals - capable of traveling up to ten times faster than sound - exemplifies Ukraine's potential in defending against Moscow's sophisticated arsenal. In addition to these high-speed projectiles, other weapons utilized in this large-scale offensive included short-range ballistic missile launches from land as well as numerous drones – all ultimately shot down by Ukrainian military efforts.
This successful defense follows earlier reports this month when Ukraine claimed its first-ever shootdown of a single Kinzhal missile over Kyiv using a newly deployed US Patriot air defense system. While the US military confirmed this account at that time, it did not specify whether or not the intercepted projectile was flying at hypersonic speeds.
Hypersonic weapons are defined as those reaching velocities five times greater than sound or more; with some sources claiming that Kinzhals can accelerate even beyond Mach 10 after launch. As President Volodymyr Zelenskyy secures billions in new military aid during his European tour, Ukraine's ability to combat such advanced weaponry has become increasingly apparent.
Despite this progress, the ongoing battle for the eastern city of Bakhmut remains a significant challenge. While Ukrainian forces continue making incremental advances against fierce Russian resistance, Moscow still maintains control over approximately 90% of the devastated city. Nevertheless, as Ukraine pushes forward with their counteroffensive strategy, pressure mounts on Russia to allocate more resources toward defending its remaining foothold in Bakhmut.