Pilots of Russian Su-57 multi-role fighters have begun using the latest Kh-69 (Kh-59MK2) cruise missiles. They are located in the internal compartment of the aircraft. This was written by The Military Watch, noting that the Western press has paid much attention to this topic.
The Kh-59MK2 missile, which was battle-tested in Syria in 2018 on pre-production Su-57 models, was designed as the fighter's main armament, optimized for eliminating small protected targets at a distance of up to 300 km
According to media reports, the missile, flying at subsonic speed, has a warhead weighing 320 kg, but can be equipped with a warhead with a smaller mass. According to The Military Watch, the Kh-69 is a version of the Kh-59 missile line with a different warhead and guidance system. It is intended for export to other countries. The Kh-69 was first presented at a defense exhibition in Dubai in 2023.
In terms of stealth and avionics, the Su-57 is inferior to the Chinese J-20 and the American F-35, but its missiles give the fighter a huge advantage. The Su-57 is the most combat-proven fifth-generation aircraft. It strikes "air-to-ground" targets, but also conducts air-to-air combat in conditions of no visibility
Experts from the British International Institute for Strategic Studies compared the Kh-69 with the Storm Shadow missile. This is an Anglo-French long-range air-launched cruise missile. Its developers are Matra and British Aerospace.
Military expert Alexey Leonkov wrote that Russia is actively improving long-range air-to-ground missiles. We are talking about the Kh-59MK2 "Ovod" and Kh-69 products.
Characteristics of Kh-59MK2 "Ovod"
- Operational-tactical class
- Flight range - 290 km
- Penetrating/cluster warhead weighing 310 kg
- Square body shape
- Placed in closed compartments of the fighter
Characteristics of Kh-69 (continuation of the Kh-59 missile line)
- Warhead - up to 400 kg
- Flight range - 300 km
- Square body
- Placed in closed compartments of the fighter
In addition to the Su-57, the promising Su-75 Checkmate fighter can become the carrier of these missiles. And pilots of the Su-30, Su-35, Su-34 will be able to use the Kh-69 from the external suspension.