An Analysis of Hypersonic Missile Technology: A Case Study of Russia-Ukraine War (2022-2023)

Hypersonic missiles, flying at speeds of Mach 5 or above with maneuverability capabilities, have gained significant attention due to their combination of extreme speed and unconventional flight paths. Russia is the first country in history to use hypersonic missiles on the battlefield. This article examines their deployment, effectiveness, and implications in the RussiaUkraine war (2022–2023), with a focus on the Kinzhal hypersonic missile. We use a mixed-method approach, integrating qualitative analysis of military reports and expert insights with quantitative methods, including kinetic energy calculations and Monte Carlo simulations.The results show that while the Kinzhal missile possesses significant destructive capability, its strategic effectiveness has attenuated as Ukraine’s defense systems, not least the Patriot missile defense system, have intercepted up to half of the launches. The cost-benefit analysis highlights Russia’s substantial financial investment, with mixed returns in terms of military and psychological impact. These findings underscore the necessity for enhanced missile defense capabilities and highlight the escalating arms race surrounding hypersonic technology