Kh-22

Kh-22. The Kh-22 is a large, long-range air-to-surface missile developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Designed by the MKB Raduga design bureau, it was a primary weapon for strategic bomber aircraft like the Tupolev Tu-22M and was intended to engage high-value NATO naval targets, particularly aircraft carrier battle groups. Entering service in the early 1960s, the missile features a powerful warhead and a high-speed liquid-propellant rocket engine, making it a formidable component of Soviet anti-ship missile doctrine for decades.

Development and design

The development of the Kh-22 was initiated in 1958 by the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union in response to the growing threat posed by United States Navy carrier strike forces. The project was led by chief designer Ivan Toropov at the MKB Raduga bureau, with the goal of creating a missile capable of penetrating dense air defense networks. The design incorporated a powerful liquid-fuel rocket motor from the KB Khimmash bureau, enabling sustained supersonic flight at high altitude. Guidance initially relied on an inertial navigation system updated by the launching aircraft's PNA radar, with terminal phase options for either active radar homing against ships or anti-radiation homing against land-based radar emitters. Its large, one-ton high-explosive or nuclear weapon warhead was designed to inflict catastrophic damage on large capital ships.

Operational history

The Kh-22 entered service with Soviet Air Forces regiments in 1962, primarily arming the Tupolev Tu-22 "Blinder" bomber. Its operational concept involved high-altitude launches from outside the defensive perimeter of a battleship group, with the missile descending in a steep dive to achieve high kinetic impact. During the Cold War, it was a key element of Soviet maritime strike strategy, with regiments routinely training over the Baltic Sea and Black Sea. The missile saw extensive use during the Soviet–Afghan War, where variants were employed for land attack against fortified positions. In the post-Soviet era, the Kh-22 remains in the arsenal of the Russian Aerospace Forces and has been used in the Russian military intervention in Syria. Most notably, it has been deployed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with several launches reported against ground targets, though its effectiveness in this role has been questioned.

Variants

Several major variants of the Kh-22 were produced to fulfill different tactical roles. The base Kh-22 was designed for anti-ship use with an active radar seeker. The Kh-22P was an anti-radiation version for Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses missions. The Kh-22M introduced improved guidance systems and a more powerful engine, extending its range. A specialized strategic version, the Kh-22N, was equipped with a nuclear warhead for use against area targets like naval bases or cities. The Kh-32 is a deeply modernized variant developed in the Russian Federation, featuring a new seeker, improved propulsion for extended range, and enhanced capabilities against modern missile defense systems.

Specifications

The Kh-22 is a substantial weapon system with formidable performance characteristics. It has a launch weight of approximately 5,820 kilograms and measures 11.65 meters in length. Propulsion is provided by a S5.33 or R201-300 liquid-fuel rocket engine, burning TG-02 fuel and AK-20K oxidizer, which propels it to speeds exceeding Mach 4.6. Its maximum operational range is around 600 kilometers when launched from high altitude. The guidance package combines an autopilot with an inertial navigation system, with terminal homing provided by either a PG radar active seeker or a PRG-22 passive radar seeker. The missile can be armed with either a 1,000-kilogram high-explosive penetrator warhead or a 350 kt thermonuclear weapon.

Operators

* Current Operators ** Russia: Inherited from the Soviet Union; remains in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces on Tupolev Tu-22M3 bombers. ** Ukraine: Inherited a stockpile after the dissolution of the Soviet Union; the missiles were reportedly decommissioned and dismantled under international arms control agreements. * Former Operators ** Soviet Union: The original and primary operator, with missiles deployed across various Long Range Aviation and Naval Aviation regiments.

Category:Air-to-surface missiles of the Soviet Union Category:Anti-ship missiles of the Soviet Union Category:Cold War missiles of the Soviet Union