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Home > Open Access Journals > JSS > Vol. 19 > No. 1 (2026)

 

Author Biography

Bill Christopher Arputharaj is a Doctoral scholar in Strategic Technologies and National Security, School of National Security Studies, Central University of Gujarat, India. His research area focuses on hypersonic missile systems and evolving trends in national security.

Amit Mukherjee is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Strategic Technologies in School of National Security Studies, Central University of Gujarat. His previous pursuits include Post Doctoral Research from National Security Studies Centre, University of Haifa, Israel, and as Assistant Professor, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore, India. His primary research areas include War and Warfare, Weapons and Weapons Systems, GIS and Remote Sensing for Strategic Studies, among others.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.19.1.2579

Subject Area Keywords

Intelligence analysis, Science and technology & security, Space and security, Strategy

Abstract

The Russia-Ukraine war represents the world’s first theatre where hypersonic missile systems have been employed in combat operations. However, there is insufficient literature on the comparative analysis of Russian hypersonic missiles launched during the conflict, namely the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal, 3M22 Zircon, and Oreshnik intermediate-range missile systems. The article evaluates their technological complexity, survivability against multilayer air and missile defence networks, and their overall impact in this conflict. The research establishes a doctrinal framework for translating theoretical deterrence into applied battlefield outcomes for hypersonic weapon systems. The study uses a qualitative approach that draws inferences from defence reports and media coverage to critically compare their battlefield capabilities. Key findings reveal that while Kinzhal and Zircon introduced tactical and maritime challenges in the early phases of the war, their initial advantages have been offset by the Ukrainian and Western missile defence networks, such as the Patriot, SAMP/T, and Sol-Air Moyenne-Portee/Terrestre (SAMP/T) systems. Oreshnik’s integration of Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs) has enabled higher strike success rates and greater strategic flexibility, though it has not yet been proven in repeated combat. The future missile development and air defence architectures of Ukraine and its western partners must prioritise countering conventional hypersonic threats and MIRV-equipped missiles to protect strategic assets. 

Disclaimer

This article is submitted by the authors without any intention to imply prejudice or bias for or against any party, system, or event. The results and interpretations herein are strictly confined to the methodologies selected, their inherent limitations, and the data available to the authors at the time of research. Readers are advised to consider these boundaries when evaluating the findings and to corroborate the information independently before drawing any conclusions or taking action. The views and analyses expressed in this work are solely those of the authors and do not represent the opinions or official positions of the associated institution or any of its offices. The institution and its affiliates remain uninvolved with the editorial judgments and outcomes presented, and the content should not be considered an endorsement or reflection of their perspectives

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to Prof. Sanjay Kumar Jha, Dean, School of National Security Studies (SNSS), Central University of Gujarat (CUG), India for his constant support and encouragement. The authors express indebtedness to Dr. Vishwas Rawal, Head of Department, Department of Strategic Technologies (DST), Central University of Gujarat (CUG), India for his constant guidance. The authors acknowledge the use of the High-Performance Computing Facility and GIS Laboratory of the DST-SNSS, CUG, and its crucial role in the construction of the article. The collective support has been vital in the successful completion of this work.

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