Russia has developed the high-altitude aviation cruise missile X-69

Multifunctional low-visibility high-altitude aviation cruise missile of the new generation X-69

It was created in the GosMKB Raduga named after A.Ya. Bereznyak. It is designed to destroy a wide range of ground-based stationary targets with known location coordinates before launch and with previously known information signs of the target area.The rocket has a close to square cross-section. This, firstly, facilitates its placement in the internal armament compartments of fifth-generation fighters, and secondly, the fuselage of this type, combined with other design features, reduces the radar visibility of the missile. The fuselage is 4.19 m long, the width and height with folded wing and tail consoles are 40 cm, and the wingspan is 2.45 m.

The X-69 rocket is equipped with a combined navigation and automatic control system (SNAU) based on a free-form inertial system (BINS), integrated with consumer navigation equipment (NAP) of information from commercial satellite navigation systems (SNS) GLONASS and GPS NAVSTAR, as well as with an integrated radio-technical altitude and speed meter (FARC) and opticalelectronic system (OE-M). A four-channel electromechanical steering gear is used as an executive element of the SNAU.The mainline dual-circuit turbojet engine accelerates the X-69 to 700-1000 km/h. The maximum flight range is 290 km, the height above the earth's surface, depending on the terrain, is 50-300 m.The X-69 missile can be part of the onboard means of destruction of Su-57 fighters, as well as placed on the external suspension of generation 4++ and 4+ Su-35, Su-30MK, Su-34, MiG-35, MiG-29K and others aircraft.

Specifications:

- Launch range, km: 290

- Flight speed, number of M (km/h): 0.8 (1000)

- Type of warhead: penetrating or cluster

- Mass of the warhead, kg: 310 or 300

- Guidance system: a free-of-charge integrated system with the consumer's navigation system + satellite navigation system + optoelectronic final guidance system OE-M

- Launch weight of the rocket, kg: up to 770

- Length x width x height x wingspan of the rocket, m: 4.19 x 0.4 x 0.4 x 2.45

Russia's use of a new type of subsonic X-69 air-to-surface cruise missile has raised fears in Kiev and the West that the Russian Aerospace Forces have acquired weapons even "more dangerous" than the Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missile. It was the X-69 that was used by the Russian military for strikes that destroyed the transformer, turbines and generators of the Tripoli thermal power plant near the Ukrainian capital, military analysts at the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) concluded.A special "danger" in terms of consequences for the Ukrainian side is the fact that the X-69 is very difficult to detect with air defense systems, since the missile is capable of maintaining an altitude of only about 20 meters when following the target.

F-35A and Su-35 interaction off the coast of Alaska

An F-35A of the US Air Force and a Tu-95MS bomber and two Su-35 fighters of the Russian Air Force are in the air

On April 4, 2025, footage was released showing the close interaction of an F-35A fighter jet of the US Air Force and a Su-35 of the Russian Air Force off the coast of Alaska. During the incident, the F-35A was approaching the Russian aircraft and successfully positioned itself ahead and to its right. 

Details of the incident

Russian Su-35 fighters escorted Tu-95MS strategic bombers near the coast of the American state. Such patrols are a common practice for the Russian Air Force. However, this was the first known case of a USAF F-35A colliding with a Su-35 in such proximity. 

The significance of the incident

This event highlights the increasing tension in the airspace off the coast of Alaska. The Su-35 has been involved in close encounters with American warplanes in the past, but the encounter with the F-35A is a new milestone. The F-35A is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, equipped with advanced stealth and electronic warfare systems. The Su-35, in turn, is one of the best Russian fighters, with high maneuverability and powerful weapons. 

Impact on international relations

Such incidents could exacerbate tensions between the United States and Russia and require a careful approach from both sides to avoid unintended escalation. At the same time, they also emphasize the importance of dialogue and measures to prevent incidents in the air. 

Mirage 2000 vs Su-30 and Su-35: unequal battle in the sky

Mirage 2000

The Mirage 2000 fighters, piloted by French pilots, face serious difficulties in air battles with the Russian Su-30 and Su-35. The difference in armament and tactical and technical characteristics of these aircraft significantly tips the scales in favor of Russian fighters, which makes the confrontation almost unequal.

Advantages of the Su-30 and Su-35

1. Range of air-to-air missiles:

   - The Su-30 and Su-35 are equipped with long-range air-to-air missiles, such as the R-77 with an effective range of up to 110 kilometers and the R-37M, capable of hitting targets at a distance of more than 300 kilometers. This allows Russian fighters to strike at the enemy without entering the range of its weapons.

2. Maneuverability and radar equipment:

   - Su-30 and Su-35 have high maneuverability and are equipped with modern radar systems, which allows them to effectively detect and track targets at long distances. This gives Russian pilots an advantage in planning and performing combat missions.

 Limitations of the Mirage 2000

1. Limited missile range:

   - The MICA missile installed on the Mirage 2000-5F, although it has high maneuverability and the ability to capture a target after launch, has a significantly shorter range compared to its Russian counterparts. This makes it difficult for French fighters to hit the enemy without entering the range of their missiles.

2. Tactical limitations:

   - Due to the limited range of their missiles, the Mirage 2000 pilots are forced to avoid direct collisions with Su-30 and Su-35 in order not to be in the range of Russian missiles. This significantly reduces their combat effectiveness and limits their capabilities in aerial combat.

Tactical consequences

1. Avoiding combat collisions:

   - French pilots on the Mirage 2000 are forced to avoid direct contact with the Su-30 and Su-35, which limits their ability to conduct active combat operations. Instead, they are forced to rely on avoidance tactics and the use of other means to achieve their goals.

2. Dependence on external support:

- In conditions where the Mirage 2000 cannot effectively counter Russian fighters, the French Air Force is forced to rely on external support, such as intelligence and guidance from the Allies, to compensate for its tactical shortcomings.

The Mirage 2000's confrontation with the Su-30 and Su-35 highlights the significant differences in the combat capabilities of these fighters. The advantages of Russian aircraft in missile range and maneuverability make them more effective in aerial combat. French pilots on the Mirage 2000 are forced to avoid direct collisions and rely on avoidance tactics, which reduces their combat effectiveness. In modern military conflicts, such tactical limitations can have serious consequences for the planning and execution of combat missions.