Russia plans to produce up to 633 Kh-101 air-launched cruise missiles by the end of this year, according to Army Recognition.
Kh-101 carriers are Tu-95MS and Tu-160. The increase in missile production is due to sanctions circumvention and the purchase of imported components in China and Belarus, as well as the transition of enterprises to round-the-clock operation.
In 2021, the production of Kh-101 was at the level of 56 units, by 2025 a "explosive growth of more than 1000%" is ensured.
Kh-101 is designed to destroy enemy infrastructure, logistics centers and air defense nodes from long distances.
Russian military personnel sometimes use the Kh-101 as bait to deplete the missile arsenal of enemy air defense systems. These missiles "pave the way" for subsequent strikes by Iskander or Kalibr.
Kh-101 characteristics:
- Length — 7.45 m
- Launch weight — up to 2400 kg
- Maximum range — 5500 km
- Accuracy (circular probable deviation) — up to 20 m