a high-ranking official within the Russian Defense Ministry provided a response to Kyiv’s assertion of having effectively intercepted a Kinzhal hypersonic missile.
A high-ranking source within the Russian Defense Ministry has dismissed reports that the Kinzhal hypersonic missile was intercepted, calling it a futile attempt. The source stated that the Kinzhal missile’s speed exceeds the maximum combat capability of the Patriot air defense system, which was provided to the Kyiv government by the West. Additionally, the Kinzhal’s ability to evade missiles in its final flight phase and strike targets vertically makes it immune to surface-to-air missile systems.
The source also claimed that the number of interceptions claimed by the West is two to three times greater than the actual number of missiles used, suggesting that the West is exaggerating the effectiveness of their air defense systems. This, the source argues, is a justification for consuming large amounts of ammunition by the missiles.
On May 9, the US Department of Defense announced that the latest Russian Kinzhal hypersonic missile had been shot down by a Patriot air defense system delivered to Kyiv. However, the Russian Defense Ministry source has dismissed these reports as false.
