Ukraine develops new way to down Russia’s "unstoppable" Kinzhal missiles (photo)
Ukraine may be using a new EW system to neutralize Russian "Kinzhals."
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Kinzhals
Against the backdrop of potentially shrinking stocks of American Patriot missiles, Ukraine has likely developed a new method to counter Russian Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, which Russia claims are among the fastest and most difficult to intercept.
This is reported by The Kyiv Independent, citing Ukrainian electronic warfare specialists.
According to a unit commander with the callsign "Alchemist," Ukraine’s EW system has significantly reduced the effectiveness of Kinzhal launches.
"When we create our electronic shield, only one out of 59 launched Kinzhals reached its target. The rest were suppressed," he stated.
The report refers to EW stations called "Lima," which, according to developers, have been operating across Ukraine since 2023.
They affect the missiles' navigation systems through:
- Satellite signal suppression;
- Spoofing (generating false signals);
- Interference with onboard guidance systems.
According to the developers, these stations are capable of altering the missiles' flight trajectory at a range of up to 300 km.
A downed Russian Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile after being suppressed by the Lima electronic warfare unit at an undisclosed location. (Night Watch Air Defense Unit)
How Ukraine’s new EW system works against Kinzhal missiles
Russian missiles use satellite navigation and special Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas (CRPA) designed to filter out interference.
However, Ukrainian specialists claim they have found a way to "bypass" this protection.
"We managed to make the antennas fail to understand where the signal is coming from. This allows us to disrupt the missile's navigation," "Alchemist" explains.
According to him, effectively suppressing a Kinzhal requires about 32 "Lima" stations.
Developers claim the system has allegedly helped divert dozens of missiles—specifically, 58 out of 59 Kinzhals were suppressed, with some losing navigation and crashing in open areas.
The Ukrainian military also reports a decrease in the accuracy of Russian strikes by other missiles, including "Iskanders."
The Armed Forces of Ukraine note that the technology is unique and has no direct analogues in the world, but they emphasize that its full effectiveness against all types of missiles still requires verification.