Russia targets Ukraine with Kh-55SM missiles carrying nuclear warhead simulators

On January 15, 2025, Russia launched Kh-55SM cruise missiles. These missiles are generally meant to carry nuclear warheads, however Russia used non-explosive 'dummy' warheads, according to Defense Express.

The Ukrainian Air Force Command's assessment specifically noted the use of Kh-55SM missiles. These missiles, along with Kh-555 versions, were launched from Tu-95MS bombers operating over the Volgograd area.

These missiles, carrying only metal 'dummy' warheads, are used to mislead Ukrainian air defense systems as decoys. Reports from the Ukrainian Air Force also noted the use of Kh-55SM missiles in attacks repelled on December 13 and 25, 2024.

The Kh-55SM differs from the standard Kh-55 due to its conformal fuel tanks, which extend its range to 3,500 km. This version was introduced in 1987 and continued production in Russia after the collapse of the USSR.

In this attack, Russia also used one ballistic missile (either an Iskander or KN-23), seven Kh-22 or Kh-32 missiles launched from Tu-22M3 bombers, four Kalibr sea-launched cruise missiles, 27 Kh-101 air-launched cruise missiles, Kh-55SM missiles, four Kh-59 or Kh-69 guided missiles, and 74 Shahed-type drones and decoy drones. In total, the enemy deployed 117 aerial weapons, including 43 missiles.

Ukrainian air defense managed to shoot down 26 cruise missiles and all Kh-59/Kh-69 guided missiles, achieving an 85% success rate against targets that can be intercepted with standard air defense systems. Additionally, 100% of Russian drones were neutralized, with 47 shot down and another 27 failing to reach their targets.

Intercepting high-speed Kh-22 or Kh-32 missiles and ballistic missiles requires advanced Patriot or SAMP-T air defense systems, which Ukraine currently has in limited supply. During this attack, Russia targeted gas infrastructure in the Kharkiv, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk regions.

• Along with reports of escalating hostilities in Ukraine, Russia announces it has a nuclear bomb simulation technique and plans military exercises using this "nuclear war simulation technology"