Russia equips Kh-101 missiles with two warheads: UK intelligence assesses consequences

This is stated in the report of the UK Defense Ministry.

The Long-Range Aviation Command of the Russian Aerospace Forces has increased the lethality of its main air-launched cruise missile, the Kh-101. The missile was probably equipped with a second warhead.

The Russian Long-range Aviation Command tried to change its systems and tactics during the war against Ukraine. Since Ukrainian air defense intercepts a large number of missiles, the Russians wanted to increase efficiency and use older missiles, as the stocks of new ones were exhausted.

UK intelligence emphasizes that this latest modification has probably reduced the range of the Kh-101 by half.

The agency also believes that Russians do not need the full range of these missiles to attack Ukraine. The installation of a second warhead is intended to increase the fragmentation effect on the target.

“It is likely that this will make the system more effective in striking non-hardened targets,” the statement says.

• Back in March, Russia began production of an updated version of the Kh-101 cruise missile. It is now equipped with two warheads instead of one, making it twice as dangerous.