According to information published by the Ukrainian defense website “Defense Express” on May 5, 2023, the Ukrainian air defense has successfully intercepted a Russian undetectable Kh-47 Kynzhal hypersonic missile using the American Patriot PAC-3 air defense missile system. The Kh-47 is considered a stealth missile, indeed, it is designed to have a low radar cross-section, making it difficult for enemy radars to detect it. The missile is also highly maneuverable, which makes it difficult
For the first time, the Ukrainian Armed Forces successfully intercepted a Russian “hypersonic” missile, the Kh-47 “Kinzhal”, at around 02:40 on May 4, 2023, in the skies over Kyiv. Citing information from the “Defense Express” website, the Kh-47 missile was reportedly shot down by a Patriot PAC-3 surface-to-air missile.
The attack on Kyiv that night was officially reported by the Kyiv City Military Administration, noting that in addition to kamikaze drones Shahed, there were also missiles involved – “likely of a ballistic type.”
The Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile defense system has now proven its ability to intercept hypersonic missiles in real combat conditions. This marks a significant milestone for missile defense technology, as hypersonic missiles are known for their extreme speed and maneuverability, making them difficult targets to intercept.