KH-55
Projectiles were designed as decoys to divert attention from air defense systems and waste Ukraine’s defensive resources.
In the early hours of January 15, Russia will have launched an air offensive against Ukraine with 117 missiles and drones, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and Shahed drones. Among these were four nuclear cruise missiles equipped with dummy warheads.
According to Ukrainian forces cited by the Ukrainian portal, these projectiles were designed as decoys to divert the attention of air defense systems and cause a waste of defensive resources.
Among the missiles used would be the Kh-55SMoriginally designed to carry nuclear warheads. According to a report from the Ukrainian Air Force, these missiles had a dual objective: to saturate and confuse air defenses and increase the chances of success for explosive-laden missiles, such as the Kh-101, depleting expensive — and limited — anti-missiles. from Ukraine, like Patriot.
Launched from Tu-95MS bombers, the Kh-55SM have advanced navigation features and the ability to fly at low altitude, making them difficult to detect.
The strategy was first detected in December.
According to , the Kh-55SM is part of a Russian nuclear arsenal that includes other long-range weapons, such as the RS-24 Yars and the R-36M2 Voevoda, capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads with ranges exceeding 12,000 kilometers. They join the RS-28 Sarmat, also known as “Satan 2”, designed to carry hypersonic vehicles and overcome any defense system.
