Russian Su-57 Targets Ukrainian Air Base with Kh-69 Cruise Missiles

The Russian newspaper "Rossiyskaya Gazeta" reported that a fifth-generation "Su-57" fighter jet carried out a missile strike targeting the Ukrainian "Kanatovo" air base in the Kirovograd region, using "Kh-69" cruise missiles.

The newspaper stated that local residents reported hearing strong, successive explosions following the attack, noting that the fighter launched three missiles in two waves.

According to the report, the missiles were launched from outside the coverage range of Ukrainian air defense systems, while deep Ukrainian air defenses failed to intercept them and they hit their targets, according to the Russian source.

Low radar signature missile
The report indicated that the success of the attack, according to the Russian account, is linked to the characteristics of the "Kh-69" missile, which is considered one of the latest developments in Russian defense industries and has been used in combat operations since 2023.

Among the missile's most prominent features is its square cross-section design, which allows it to be carried inside the internal bays of the "Su-57" fighter and contributes to reducing its radar signature. It can also fly at an altitude of up to 20 meters above ground level, making it difficult to detect.

The design of the "Kh-69" resembles the British "Storm Shadow" and German "Taurus" missiles, as it includes wings and four rear stabilizing surfaces that deploy after launch.

During flight, the missile relies on satellite navigation systems, including "GLONASS" and "GPS," along with a backup inertial navigation system.

According to information in the report, the missile's range reaches 400 kilometers, while its warhead weight exceeds 300 kilograms.

Multi-platform weapons
The report clarified that the "Kh-69" is one of the primary weapons for the "Su-57" fighter, and it can also be launched from other Russian aircraft, including the "Su-30MK," "Su-34," "Su-35," and "MiG-31."