“Dagger” is an aviation missile complex with a high-precision hypersonic aerobalistic missile. The weapon is said to be capable of destroying warships, anti-missile defense systems and ground targets.

Dagger missiles are launched from carrier aircraft, after which they fly at hypersonic speeds and can maneuver in flight.

“Dagger” is not a new development, but a modified version of the Iskander ballistic missile system for launch from aircraft. Therefore, it has a high initial speed and increases the range of action. “Dagger” entered service with the Russian army in 2017.

Although the Dagger is technically a hypersonic missile, it is too old to compete with the latest developments like China’s DF-ZF or Hypersonic Strike.

Features of the Kinzhal missile complex:

• “Dagger” can develop speeds of up to 12 thousand km / h and can carry both conventional and nuclear ammunition.
• The overall design of the missile is approximately the same as that of the Alexander complex, but with a modified guidance section. It can hit both stationary and moving targets.
• The missile has a flight range of 2,000 km, and when launched from a Tu-22M3 aircraft – more than 3,000 km.
• The warhead is equivalent to 4,000 kg of TNT.
• After launch, the missile ascends to an altitude of about 20 km and then crashes into the target like a conventional ballistic missile. Therefore, it is difficult to bring down air defense systems.

The main missile carrier of the Kinzhal complex is a modified MiG-31K aircraft. One side can carry a missile.

In 2018, Russia began work on the integration of the Kinzhal system with the Tu-22M bomber, which can carry four missiles.

Before being used in combat, the “Dagger” complex was repeatedly tested, in particular, in exercises in the Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea, as well as in the Southern Military District.

Military experts claim that the “Dagger” is quite limited in number. This is evidenced, at least, by the fact that Russia has not yet replaced many MiG-31Ks.