World

Russia’s missile strike on Ukraine: What is the Kinzhal hypersonic weapon?

Since the launch of its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has bombarded Ukrainian cities targeting critical infrastructure and civilian areas with a barrage of missile and drone attacks. On Thursday, Kyiv’s Air Force reported that the Russians used three Kinzhal hypersonic missiles in an overnight attack.

What is the Kinzhal hypersonic missile?

The Kinzhal hypersonic missile is a cutting-edge weapon system developed by Russia. It is specifically designed as an air-launched ballistic missile, capable of being deployed from various platforms, including the MiG-31K fighter jet. It carries a conventional or nuclear payload of around 500 kilograms, which can be used to engage a variety of targets, including enemy aircraft carriers, military infrastructure, or strategic installations. Kinzhal, which translates to “Dagger” in English, represents a significant advancement in missile technology due to its hypersonic speed and maneuverability.

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How is the Kinzhal different from regular cruise missiles?

Unlike regular cruise missiles, which typically fly at subsonic or supersonic speeds, the Kinzhal missile is hypersonic, meaning it travels at speeds exceeding Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound. This incredible velocity allows the Kinzhal to cover vast distances in a very short amount of time, making it extremely difficult for traditional air defense systems to intercept and engage. It can reach speeds of Mach 10 or approximately 12,000 kilometers per hour, enabling it to cover distances of up to 2,000 kilometers.

The maneuverability of the Kinzhal missile further sets it apart from conventional cruise missiles. Its ability to perform sharp evasive maneuvers during flight enables it to overcome enemy air defense systems effectively. The Kinzhal's agility and unpredictability make it a challenging target for interception, enhancing its combat effectiveness and ensuring its high probability of successfully reaching its intended target.

Additionally, the Kinzhal missile is equipped with advanced guidance and targeting systems, enabling it to engage a wide range of targets, including both land-based and naval targets. Its precision strike capabilities make it a potent weapon for conducting both conventional and strategic operations. The Kinzhal's warhead is designed to deliver a devastating impact upon detonation, ensuring maximum destruction of enemy targets.

How would the Kinzhal fare against the US Patriot anti-missile system?

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had hailed last month the US-supplied Patriot anti-missile systems which he said ensured his country’s forces had a 100 percent interception rate against Russia's long-range air strikes. However, the Kinzhal’s hypersonic capabilities and enhanced maneuvering make it a formidable challenge for existing air defense systems.

The Kinzhal hypersonic missile poses a significant challenge to the effectiveness of the US Patriot system. The Patriot system is designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic and cruise missiles, but it may face difficulties when dealing with the speed and maneuverability of the Kinzhal.

One of the main advantages of the Kinzhal is its hypersonic speed, which far exceeds the capabilities of traditional missiles. Its velocity allows it to cover long distances in a short period, making it challenging for air defense systems like the Patriot to track and engage effectively. The quick response time and rapid flight profile of the Kinzhal reduce the window of opportunity for interception, placing additional strain on the Patriot system's capabilities.

Furthermore, the maneuverability of the Kinzhal adds another layer of complexity. Its ability to perform sharp evasive maneuvers during flight makes it more challenging to predict and intercept. The Patriot system relies on tracking and engaging incoming targets based on their projected trajectory, but the unpredictable movements of the Kinzhal make it a difficult target to track and intercept successfully.

Additionally, the Kinzhal's advanced guidance and targeting systems enhance its ability to avoid interception. It can employ countermeasures, such as decoys and electronic jamming, to confuse and evade the Patriot system's interceptors, further reducing the system's effectiveness.

While the Patriot system is a highly capable air defense system with a proven track record, the hypersonic speed and maneuverability of the Kinzhal present significant challenges. The success of the Patriot system against the Kinzhal would depend on its ability to adapt and develop countermeasures specifically tailored to intercepting hypersonic threats. The evolving nature of missile technology necessitates continuous advancements in air defense systems to effectively counter hypersonic threats like the Kinzhal.

What did Putin say?

When the Kinzhal system was publicly revealed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018, he stated that the missile's hypersonic speed and maneuverability rendered it virtually invulnerable to any existing air defense systems. He highlighted its ability to overcome even the most advanced missile defense systems and its potential to penetrate any defensive shield.

The public unveiling of the Kinzhal was a clear message to the international community, demonstrating Russia's commitment to advancing its military technology and maintaining its position as a global military power.

Ukraine forces advance in south, battles rage on to restrain Russia in east: Kyiv

Ukraine ‘hopeful’ it could get US Abrams tanks in time for the next offensive: FM

World

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi meets with CEOs of leading Norwegian companies

H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has met with a group of CEOs from leading Norwegian companies, as part of their participation in the UAE-Norway Investment Forum, held alongside his official visit to the Kingdom of Norway.

During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed underscored the UAE leadership’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with its international partners.

He highlighted that investment in innovation and knowledge is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development, noting that enhancing collaboration with Norwegian companies across key sectors will open new avenues for mutual economic growth between the two countries.

The UAE-Norway Investment Forum, taking place in Oslo, aimed to highlight available investment opportunities and strengthen trade relations between the UAE and Norway, fostering shared interests and supporting innovation and knowledge-based economic visions.

-wam

World

At the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS inaugurates 10th global office, releases four books

As part of its Asian research tour, partnership with Aletihad News Center, and
primary sponsorship of the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS
Research & Advisory inaugurated its office in Jakarta, marking its 10th location
worldwide. It also released four books in Indonesian.
The inauguration event was attended by ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, and
Jordan to Indonesia, chairpersons of the UAE and Indonesian Publishers’
Associations, the Director of TRENDS’ Jakarta office, and a group of researchers
and academics.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS
Research & Advisory, stated that TRENDS’ international offices—set to reach 15
by the end of 2024—aim to enhance the Center’s research efforts and deepen its
role in disseminating knowledge, thus serving as a global knowledge bridge.
He emphasized, “At TRENDS, we believe in the importance of cooperation
between think tanks and prioritize this endeavor. We believe the TRENDS office in
Jakarta will enhance the exchange of knowledge and ideas between think tanks in
Asia and the Middle East, opening new horizons for collaboration in various
fields.”

Four books in Indonesian
As part of the Jakarta office’s inaugural activities, four books were released in
Indonesian, including the 11th and 12th books of the Muslim Brotherhood
Encyclopedia and Global Trends in AI and Automation and the Future of
Competition between Man and Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision.

Hostility to Arab states
The 11th book of the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia, The Concept of the State
According to the Muslim Brotherhood, highlights its hostile stance toward Arab
states since its inception. The group views them as an obstacle to its ascent to
power. It opposed the modern principles upon which these states were built,
considering them incompatible with the group’s unique interpretation of Islam,
which it claimed to embody exclusively.

Exclusion of nonconformists
The 12th book, The Muslim Brotherhood: Rejection of Tolerance and Exclusion of
Nonconformists, examines the Muslim Brotherhood’s stance towards
nonconformists, individuals, and entities. The book reveals the group’s binary view
of the world, categorizing others as allies or adversaries. It ties these relationships
to the Brotherhood’s internal power struggles and self-serving interests.

Global Trends in AI
The third book, Global Trends in AI, explores significant developments in AI and
its impact on various aspects of life, including the economy, society, and
governance. It also offers a comprehensive analysis of technological advancements
in AI, its applications across sectors, the ethical and social challenges it presents,
and its future trajectory.

Automation

The fourth book, Automation and the Future of Competition between Man and
Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision, addresses the growing challenges
faced by the human workforce in the face of widespread automation and AI
applications. The book concludes that while automation presents a significant
challenge to the labor market, it simultaneously creates new opportunities. It
emphasizes the importance of preparing for this shift through skills development,
continuous education, and adopting economic and social policies that support the
workforce.

Prominent pavilion and active presence
The TRENDS’ pavilion at the Indonesia International Book Fair has attracted
numerous visitors, including academic researchers and officials, such as the
ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Turkey. Additionally,
chairpersons of Arab and Indonesian publishers’ associations, authors, publishers,
and students visited the pavilion. All were impressed with and praised TRENDS’ diverse, valuable publications. They also commended TRENDS’ active
international presence and ability to address global developments with rigorous
analytical research.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali honored the esteemed guests, including
ambassadors of the UAE and Bahrain to Indonesia, Wedha Startesti Yudha,
Chairperson of the Indonesia International Book Fair Committee, Arys Hilman
Nugraha, Chairman of the Indonesian Publishers Association, and others,
presenting them with TRENDS’ publications and commemorative shields.
Additionally, he awarded TRENDS’ Research Medal to Ni Made Ayu Martini
Indonesian Deputy Minister of Marketing, Tourism and Creative Economy
It is worth noting that during its current Asian research tour, TRENDS announced
the launch of the TRENDS Research Medal, awarded to individuals who make
significant contributions to the development of scientific research and promote collaboration with TRENDS in strengthening a culture of research across various fields.

World

US determined to prevent full-scale war in Middle East, Joe Biden tells UNGA79

US President Joe Biden highlighted the US Administration’s determination to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire Middle East region, noting that a diplomatic solution “remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes on the border safely”.

In remarks he made today before the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), the US President said, “Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest,” adding that a diplomatic solution is still possible.

He also touched on “the rise of violence against innocent Palestinians on the West Bank”, and the need to “set the conditions for a better future”, which he said featured “a two-state solution, where the world — where Israel enjoys security and peace and full recognition and normalised relations with all its neighbours, where Palestinians live in security, dignity, and self-determination in a state of their own”.

President Biden underscored the ceasefire and hostage deal put forth by Qatar and Egypt, which the UN Security Council endorsed. He said, “Now is the time for the parties to finalise its terms, bring the hostages home,” adding that this would help ease the suffering in Gaza, and end the war.

-WAM