The Russian hypersonic missile system Kinzhal may be capable of slipping past Western air defense networks, according to an analysis published by the American magazine The National Interest.

The publication suggests that, if the weapon lives up to expectations, it could effectively render large parts of US and NATO air defense infrastructure outdated. The concern stems from the nature of hypersonic munitions themselves. Combining extreme speed with the ability to alter their flight path mid-course, such missiles are notoriously difficult to track and intercept. This unpredictability, the authors argue, significantly undermines even the most advanced defense systems currently in service.

At the same time, the article points out that regardless of how these newer technologies perform in practice, Russia already possesses a substantial arsenal of ballistic and cruise missiles. These systems have been actively used in recent years during the conflict in Ukraine.

Developers of the Kinzhal complex claim that the missile is designed to reliably penetrate both air and missile defense systems, striking targets at ranges of up to 2,000 kilometers. It is capable of carrying either nuclear or conventional warheads and is deployed from MiG-31K interceptor aircraft.