In Dubai last week Russia’s Tactical Missiles Corporation (KTRV) focused visitor attention on the Kh-MD-E multirole short-range cruise missile. Previously seen at exhibitions in Russia since 2021 – notably Army 2024 – the missile now exists in three variants: the E1, in which the inertial guidance system is twinned with a semi-active laser homing head; the E2, which adds an active radar seeker and a thermal imaging channel; and the E3, which couples a passive radar seeker with thermal imaging capabilities. The previous designation of Kh50E-001, which appears to have been developed from the ‘Product 85’ design, now appears to have been definitively replaced by Kh-MD-E, also known as X-MD-E.
A dual-mode solid-fuel rocket engine enables the modular construction 120kg missile (of which 30kg is warhead) to achieve a 40km range. Reportedly originally intended for launch from MALE UAS (specifically the Orion series) and helicopters (including the Ka-52), authorised launch platforms now include tactical aircraft (the missile can be launched at altitudes of up to 9,000m) and naval vessels.
Interestingly, the modular construction concept lends itself to some operational flexibility. As a ‘standard’ guided missile, it is an ideal weapon for precision strike of ground targets – static or mobile. Replacing the propulsion module with a second warhead unit, however, turns the weapon into a guided bomb.
Development work has now reportedly been completed and extensive flight and live fire tests have been conducted. Littl information about its prospective procurement and operational deployment by Russian forces has been made public, but DA understands there is high interest in Moscow in acquiring the weapon in significant numbers to arm medium-sized UAS.
Image courtesy KTRV
