Modernizing threat: Russia upgrades Kh‑101 cruise missile with dual warheads
The Russian Federation announced in January 2024 that it was embarking on the modernization of one of the latest missiles in its arsenal—the Kh-101. Eventually, one of these updated missiles fell into Ukrainian hands, offering the army an up-close view of the enhancements implemented by the Russians. This incident marked the first time the defenders encountered this modernized weapon.
"The Russians have once again upgraded the Kh-101 cruise missile," states a report on the Defense Express website, which analyzed one of these missiles discovered in Ukraine. The central modification involves the construction of a new variant of the Kh-101 missile equipped with a warhead twice as heavy as its predecessor.
However, Defense Express highlights a subtlety – the military design bureaus didn't just enhance a single warhead. The upgrade includes the addition of two separate warheads, with a total weight of about 800 kilograms (previously around 400 kilograms).
Upgraded Kh-101 Missile
The overhaul of the Kh-101 has significantly bolstered the missile's attack capabilities. Crucially, the Russians didn't merely double the warhead's weight in the missile; they also altered the characteristics of the second one. The second warhead is distinguished by the inclusion of penetrating cubic elements, as noted by Defense Express.
These cubic elements mirror those used in anti-aircraft missiles to ensure broad destruction. This means an enhanced ability to wreck armoured vehicles and infrastructure targeted by the upgraded Kh-101 and, of critical importance, a heightened lethality against personnel within the missile's strike zone.
Yet, the enhancements made to the Russian Kh-101 do not extend to its range. Despite undeniable improvements in offensive capability, the missile range is adversely affected. Originally, the Kh-101's range was cited to be around 4500 kilometres, with some sources even suggesting up to 5500 kilometres. Post-modernization, this is reduced by half to approximately 2250 kilometres.
Despite this marked reduction, Defense Express mentions that this limitation doesn’t significantly impact its operational relevance in Ukraine. If launched from the Saratov region, the modified Kh-101 would retain considerable manoeuvrability in the air after reaching its target over Lviv.
