Ukraine's Air Force spox says Russia used so many Kinzhal missiles for first time

16.05.2023 16:22

Ukrinform

Russia's nighttime attack on Ukraine was unique not because of the simultaneous use of drones and missiles, but because it was the first time that such a large number of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles were used.

Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force, said this during a briefing at the Ukraine-Ukrinform Media Center.

"The uniqueness of the attack is that a large number of Kinzhals were used – six missiles. These are Kh-47 ballistic missiles that were launched from six MiG-31-K jets. Other weapons have already been used at the same time," Ihnat said.

He recalled that the enemy repeatedly launched attacks on Ukraine, simultaneously using various types of missiles and drones.

At around 03:30 on May 16, 2023, Russian troops attacked Ukraine from the northern, southern and eastern directions with 18 air-, sea- and ground-launched missiles.

Ukraine's air defense forces intercepted all of them. On the night of May 16, the enemy also launched Shahed-136/131 attack drones and conducted aerial reconnaissance using three Orlan-10 operational and tactical drones and a SuperCam UAV.