Overview
- Ukraine’s military intelligence reported that Russia used an upgraded 9M723-2 missile in a summer strike on Kyiv, marking the first confirmed combat use of the variant.
- Officials say the upgrade includes a larger engine and a bigger launch tube, changes that increase thrust and required launcher modifications.
- Ukraine assesses the missile’s reach at roughly 550 kilometers, a jump that would allow strikes from much greater stand-off distances and reduce launcher exposure near the front.
- The missile’s flight maneuverability makes interceptions harder for layered defenses such as U.S.-supplied Patriot batteries, and Ukraine is reporting shortages of interceptor missiles.
- Signals of production and deployment include earlier monitoring and alleged leaked Russian purchase documents from 2025, but HUR has not released details on timing, numbers fired, or damage from the strike.