Missile KSR-5 (AS-6 Kingfish)

The KSR-5, designated Kh-26 by the Soviet Union and AS-6 Kingfish by NATO, was developed in the late 1960s as a scaled-down version of the Kh-22. The system was designed to provide long-range strike capability against protected targets, following a shift in Soviet doctrine from nuclear free-fall bombs to air-launched cruise missiles in response to advancements in enemy surface-to-air missile technology.

The missile functions as an air-to-surface system for both anti-ship and land-attack roles. It utilizes a solid propellant motor and achieves supersonic speeds. Guidance configurations include inertial systems for ground-attack missions, active radar homing for anti-ship operations, and passive radar seekers for anti-radiation missions against land-based or maritime radar installations. Warhead options consist of a 350-kiloton nuclear payload, a high-explosive semi-armour-piercing variant, or a high-explosive blast-fragmentation variant. The active radar seeker provides terminal lock-on for maritime engagements.

The KSR-5 entered service in 1969. Although originally intended for the Tu-22, it was primarily carried by the Tu-16, with later integration on Tu-22M and Tu-95M aircraft. The system was widely deployed by the Soviet Union. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the missile was operated by Russia and Ukraine. Nuclear-armed variants were retired by 1993 in conjunction with the retirement of the Tu-16 fleet. A portion of the inventory was converted into supersonic air-launched targets for training and offered for export. The system was withdrawn from operational service by 1994.

🇷🇺 Russia • 🇺🇦 Ukraine