Two combat units: the Russian Federation has updated the Kh-101 missile

Russia has begun production of an updated version of the Kh-101 air-launched cruise missile, which now has two warheads instead of one, making it twice as deadly. Defense Express analysts reported this on Friday, March 29.

It was noted that this information first appeared in January 2024, when the Minister of Defense of Russia Sergei Shoigu visited the Raduga MKB plant, where these missiles were manufactured.

It is noted that the new version of the X-101 missile has two separate warheads with a total weight of 800 kg. Each warhead is capable of delivering a large blow. This was found out after the analysis of a downed missile in a Russian attack on the night of March 29. The second warhead has ready-made combat elements of a cubic shape, which were previously used in anti-aircraft missiles.

The installation of an additional warhead was made possible by reducing the size of the fuel tank. Although this led to a reduction in the flight range of the missile, even with such a reduction, the X-101 missile leaves enough room for maneuvering during flight.

Information about the possibility of providing the Kh-101 missile with two warheads has been known since the mid-2010s, but the implementation of this option has been postponed until now.

The first attempt to split the warhead in two was canceled, but now this decision has become relevant. At the same time, the exact mechanism for the release of the second warhead remains unknown.

The modernization of the missile was also reported by the Telegram channel “Colonel GS,” emphasizing that the second warhead of the missile has destructive elements in the form of iron fragments.

It was previously reported that the warhead of the X-101 missile was found in Kyiv. He was found in the Shevchenko district, near one of the houses.