Espreso. Global

Russia’s new cruise missile: what are its characteristics and potential threat?

31 October, 2023 Tuesday
17:35

The reported range of 2,500 kilometers for the new long-range cruise missile designed for the Su-57 does not align with even the exaggerated capabilities of the Russian military-industrial complex

client/title.list_title

Defense Express shared a study of Russia’s new capability.

Russian media have reported the development of a new long-range cruise missile for the Su-57 fighter jet, claiming it has a range of 2,500 kilometers. However, there are doubts about the accuracy of this claim. The Su-57 is considered a fifth-generation fighter jet in Russia, and the new missile is intended to be placed in its internal weapons bay. While the exact dimensions of the Su-57's weapons compartments are unknown, it is estimated that there are four, with the two largest in the center section and two smaller ones for air-to-air missiles in the wing. It is claimed that despite its smaller size, the missile exhibits a range comparable to the missiles used on the Tu-160 and Tu-95MS aircraft.

The X-59MK2 guided missile is said to have been integrated into the Su-57, with a length of 4.2 meters. This suggests that 4.2 meters is the maximum length for weapons in the internal compartments of the Su-57. However, Russia claims to have achieved a range for this missile comparable to the Kh-101 or Kh-555, i.e. from 2,500 km for the Kh-555 with a length of 6 meters, or up to 5,500 km for the Kh-101 with a length of 7.45 meters.

 

New and old versions of the Kh-59MK2 missile. Photo: Defense Express

The increased range of the Kh-59MK2 is attributed to design features such as a folding wing, internal layout, and a new twin-circuit turbojet engine. However, the claimed range seems to be highly optimistic compared to the missile's size.

In comparison, the AGM-158 JASSM-XR, a new cruise missile for tactical aviation being developed in the United States, is expected to have a range of 1,900 kilometers with a length of 4.72 meters and a weight of 2,300 kilograms. Even this missile, which is larger than the Su-57's internal compartments, falls short of the claimed range of the Russian missile.

The Kh-50 (also known as Kh-SD or Product 720) is another Russian air-to-air missile with a length of 6 meters, a weight of 1,600 kilograms, and a range of 1,500 kilometers. There hasn't been much information about this missile, but even it surpasses the claimed capabilities of the new missile for the Su-57.

Range and size of Kh-101, Kh-50, Kh-59MK2 missiles. Photo: Defense Express

Given the limitations of the Su-57's internal compartments and the small number of Su-57s in Russia, the greater threat to Ukraine may come from the serialized Kh-59MK missiles, which are used by Russian aircraft such as the Su-30, Su-34, and Su-35.

Thus, the reported range of 2,500 kilometers for the new missile in the Su-57 raises doubts and may not correspond to the actual capabilities of the Russian military-industrial complex, Defense Express concludes.

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Tuesday
14 January
21:40
Exclusive
Trump to nullify International Criminal Court warrant by meeting with Putin - expert
21:25
Zelenskyy releases video showing interrogation of captured North Korean soldier
21:10
South Korea ready to take DPRK soldiers captured by Ukraine
20:52
OPINION
Biden took the “safe route”
20:30
NATO starts Baltic Sentry mission, Tusk announces increased presence
20:07
46% of Ukrainians prioritize NATO membership over EU accession – KIIS survey
19:46
Exclusive
“Breaking new ground”: Defense Express on Ukraine’s largest strike on Russian military targets
19:25
Updated
Ukrainian Air Force technicians report mass transfers to infantry; General Staff responds
19:06
Volker expects “decisive approach” in Trump’s Ukraine policy
18:45
Depletion of Russian air defense exposes rear regions to strikes
18:24
Ukrainian exports entered 16 new markets in 2024
17:59
Slovak opposition to call no-confidence vote against Fico government over shift to Russia
17:38
Russia’s military aviation: What happens to 1,100 aircraft not in combat over Ukraine?
17:13
Ukraine may cease to exist in 2025, negotiations should be with U.S., says Putin's aide. Ukraine responds
16:52
Military exercises in Gomel District, Belarus, pose no threat to Ukraine – SBGS
16:34
Ukraine sets up 36 working groups to prepare for EU membership negotiations
16:14
Russian "court" sentences seven Ukrainian POWs involved in Kursk operation
16:03
Updated
Ukraine launches massive strike on Russian military targets, up to 1,100 km deep
15:57
Russian agents exploit families of Ukrainian POWs for sabotage
15:37
Exclusive
'Trump is unpredictable but farsighted': VOA's Myroslava Gongadze on Greenland controversy
15:16
Russian oil tankers stalled as U.S. sanctions bite
14:52
Ukraine's largest long-range strike to date hits key Russian military and industrial sites
14:38
Ukraine exports almost $25 billion worth of goods to EU in 2024
14:17
OPINION
Mobilization of 18-year-olds: the West's excuses for its own failures
13:50
Exclusive
From Bryansk to Kazan: Ukraine targets Russian defense industry with precision strikes
13:31
OPINION
Biden in his last presidency days finishes off Russian economy
13:03
Review
Ukraine receives world's most advanced self-propelled gun from Germany: Column by Serhiy Zgurets
12:42
Exclusive
Challenges in Kursk region now are future challenges for Seoul – military expert Selezniov
12:23
OPINION
Fico, Szijjártó, and Orbán use "gas" statements to portray Ukraine as unreliable. Vitaly Portnikov column
11:53
Ukraine repels 77 Russian attacks near Pokrovsk, 166 clashes along frontline
11:36
Exclusive
All border settlements with Russia destroyed: Ukrainian border guard on Sumy situation
11:12
Exclusive
China builds icebreaking navy: expert Lakiychuk on Arctic struggle
10:53
Russian troops cut two roads in Donetsk to push Ukrainian forces from Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad — ISW
10:33
Germany's Defense Minister Pistorius makes unannounced visit to Kyiv
10:14
Biden and Zelenskyy highlight historic U.S. presidential visit to Ukraine in new video
09:34
Russian army loses 1,330 troops, 3 tanks, 47 artillery systems in day of war in Ukraine
2025, Monday
13 January
20:55
Russia accuses Ukraine of attack on gas station in Krasnodar, Hungary calls it threat to sovereignty
20:38
Slovakia: a student with Ukrainian symbols refused to shake the president's hand
20:36
UK to fund Ukraine’s production of air defense systems, long-range weapons
20:18
Iran in secret talks with Russia for assistance on nuclear program – media
More news