Russia upgrades Kh-22 missiles: What’s the danger — Malomuzh

Russia’s upgraded Kh-22 missiles, used by the terrorist state in the latest strike on Ukraine, pose a significant threat due to their powerful warheads.

General Mykola Malomuzh, ex-head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, warned of the threat during an interview on FREEDOM TV.

According to him, the new Kh-22 missiles carry up to 950 kg of explosives, whereas standard missiles have warheads of 100–150 kg, and drones up to 40 kg.

«These missiles can destroy large targets almost with a single strike: thermal power plants, major substations, and other generation facilities, including systems that support nuclear plants or transmit their energy. One hit — and the target is entirely destroyed, ” Malomuzh said.

The Ukrainian general said the use of these missiles in the latest strike on Ukraine indicated a terrorist-style attack.

He also pointed to the limited effectiveness of international controls over the supply of components to Russia needed to build the missiles.

«Without modern guidance systems, chips, circuit boards, programming, and control mechanisms, such missiles cannot operate accurately. Yet, Ukrainian intelligence reports that Russian missiles contain parts sourced from several countries. Our intelligence has shown that these missiles include components from Germany, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan — countries that are simultaneously our allies and Russia’s adversaries, ” he said.

According to Malomuzh, the supplies are routed through smuggling networks, front companies with European registrations and via former Soviet countries, including Uzbekistan, which imports the parts in quantities far exceeding domestic demand.

He stressed that a key priority in the near future must be a tough crackdown on these supply routes.