Russia has again modernized the Kh-101 cruise missile with two warheads, doubling its potential threat level.
In addition to the standard 450 kg warhead, it had an additional 350 kg warhead, so the mass of the explosive payload almost doubled to 800 kilograms.
The use of Russian cruise missiles with this innovation in strikes against Ukraine was first observed in 2024. At the end of March.
Such modernization of the missile was made possible by reducing the size of the fuel tank, which reduced the range of the missile from 5,500 to almost 2,250 kilometers.
Although reducing the size of the fuel tank limits the range of the missile, it does not significantly affect its operational effectiveness in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Even with the reduced range, the Kh-101 maintains high maneuverability, so potential targets in western Ukraine are still within reach.
However, according to Defense Express, such modernization still raises questions about possible modifications to the guidance system of the two warheads and other equipment. It should be noted that not a single warhead detonated when the missile was shot down.
Adapted from Defense Express and other sources.
