Russians use Belarus-made components in X-69 missiles. This was reported on Telegram by the Head of the President's Office, Andriy Yermak.
The Kh-69 (NATO reporting name: AS-22 'Kazoo') is a Russian subsonic air-launched cruise missile. It was developed from the Kh-59 missile, and has a range of at least 400 km (250 mi). It has a reduced radar signature compared to its forerunners. The X-59 MK2 is an old Soviet missile used by Russian tactical aviation. The X-69 was developed based on it but has improved characteristics, primarily in terms of stealth. It is stealthy, has protection against electronic warfare systems, which complicates its suppression by electronic warfare (EW) systems. Additionally, features have been implemented that increase the probability of bypassing air defense systems. In other words, its main function is to break through layered air defense.
The Kh-69 is a product of the Tactical Missile Corporation subsidiary MKB Raduga. It was first unveiled in August 2022.
On 11 April 2024, Ukrainian sources claimed debris of a Kh-69 missile were found on the site of Russian missile attack against the Trypilska thermal power plant, which was completely disabled as a result of the attack.
The X-69 missile can be launched from tactical aviation aircraft (fighter jets and bombers). It is likely that the X-69 missile was specifically developed for the Su-57, but the manufacturer claims that it can also be equipped on the MiG-29K, MiG-35, Su-30MK, Su-34, and Su-35.
This subsonic cruise missile is designed to target known coordinates, with a range of 186 miles. Before flight, one or more targets can be programmed into the missile. Additionally, the coordinates can be uploaded into the missile's guidance system once the aircraft carrying the missile is airborne.
Russia has repeatedly used X-69 missiles to strike Ukrainian territory.
Technical specifications of the X-69 missile:
- Weight: approximately 1,700 pounds
- Operational speed: up to 621 miles per hour
- Flight range: up to 290 kilometers at an altitude of 50-300 meters
- Flight speed: about 700-1,000 km/h
It is known that the missile carries a warhead weighing 300-310 kg, with a total missile weight of 710 kg.
Detailed technical specifications of the X-69 missile are not yet available.
According to Natalia Nestor, Deputy Director of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise of the Ministry of Justice, the missiles and drones Russia uses for daily attacks on Ukrainian cities and villages contain components made in more than 20 countries.
