The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal (‘Dagger’) is a Russian nuclear-capable air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) (PBR)

Russia's latest hypersonic missile, the Kh 47M2 Kinzhal (Dagger), entered operational service last year. This air-launched ballistic missile has a range of 2,000 km/3,000 km and can be used for both conventional and nuclear strike missions.

Kinzhal is a new class of tactical missile designed to strike long-range targets, deter potential enemies and project Russian power beyond its borders. This initiative is part of Russia's ongoing modernization efforts and strategic posture which seeks to ensure that Russia has an effective nuclear deterrent in an increasingly unpredictable international environment.

The Kinzhal is Russia's response to the growing threat posed by Western forces. This weapon is designed to circumvent United States and NATO missile defense systems as well as other air and ground defenses, striking key targets within minutes of launch.

This helps explain why the first Kinzhal launch occurred during Russia's initial military intervention in Ukraine. According to Russia's Defense Ministry, a Kinzhal - known as "dagger" in Russian - penetrated deep into an underground weapons storage facility in Ivano-Frankivsk region and destroyed it.

In response to the attack, President Vladimir Putin reiterated his determination in supporting Ukraine's war effort and stated that Russia will keep using the Kinzhal "until our forces are able to achieve their objectives."

Though its initial operational use may not pose a major strategic threat to either the United States or NATO, its highly publicized development could have important repercussions in future conflicts. While it may only serve to boost Russia's propaganda machine more than actual shift in power within Western strategic landscape, tracking this development is worth keeping an eye on - particularly given what it could mean for Russian military capabilities in near term.

3d-model is executed in detail and quality. PBR-textures included.