Russia Slashes Kinzhal Launches by 75%: The Reason Behind the Sharp Decline.

A Drop in Hypersonic Missile Usage

According to UATV: Russia has drastically cut back on its deployment of the Kinzhal hypersonic missile in strikes against Ukraine throughout 2023. The move is driven by the missile’s steep production costs and underwhelming battlefield performance. Attack frequency has plummeted fourfold, with only eight recorded firings of this weapon system over the entire year.

Moscow currently maintains an arsenal of roughly 100 Kinzhal missiles. In 2023, the country intends to manufacture around 60 new units of this type. To launch them, Russia has over 40 operational MiG-31 fighter jets, each capable of carrying the Kinzhal.

Shifting Battlefield Dynamics

Meanwhile, Ukrainian special forces continue to execute successful operations, including the destruction of a Russian Su-24M bomber. These events highlight a changing conflict landscape and are reshaping the strategic approaches of both sides.

The reduced use of Russia's Kinzhal hypersonic missiles may signal that its military resources are becoming strained, as well as a need to adapt combat tactics. At the same time, Ukrainian special forces’ achievements in taking out enemy aircraft underscore the effectiveness of Ukraine’s resistance. This could point to further shifts in the strategic balance of power between Ukraine and Russia as the war continues.