AMN
Russia on Sunday successfully test-fired a hypersonic missile, one of a range of next-generation weapons. It was unveiled by President Vladimir Putin in his state-of-the-nation address earlier this month.
The country’s defense ministry released video footage that showed the high-precision Kinzhal missile detaching from a MiG-31 supersonic fighter jet and darting across the dark sky, leaving a fiery trail behind.
“The launch went according to plan, the hypersonic missile hit its target,” the ministry added.
Russia ministry of defense released footage of its new hypersonic missile #Kinzhal, as it speeds up the propaganda before Sunday's elections pic.twitter.com/IE8jDkKZZ5
— Guy Elster (@guyelster) March 11, 2018
The Kinzhal — a double-edged Russian dagger — was described as “an ideal weapon” by Putin during the missile’s unveiling on March 1.
Putin, who is widely expected to be re-elected as Russia’s president later this month, claimed the missile that flies at 10 times the speed of the sound cannot be intercepted by air-defense systems.
The missile has been deployed in the Southern Military District since December 1, he added.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said on Facebook that Russia had been working to modernize the MiG-31 supersonic jet that will carry the missile.
