Missile Kh-35 (SS-N-25 Switchblade)

Development began in the 1970s to provide a compact, low-altitude alternative to existing heavy anti-ship systems. The project received official authorization in 1983 to equip medium-tonnage vessels. Initial flight testing commenced in 1985, though technical difficulties with the miniaturized active radar system delayed production. The system was first exhibited in 1992. Following an export order in 1994, full development was finalized with deliveries to international customers starting in 1996. The missile entered service with the Russian Navy in 2003, followed by the coastal defense variant in 2008 and the air-launched version in 2005.

The Kh-35 is a subsonic cruise missile powered by a turbofan engine. It utilizes a normal aerodynamic configuration with cruciform wings and a semisubmerged air intake. Guidance is provided by an inertial system and radio altimeter during the cruise phase, transitioning to active radar homing for terminal target acquisition. The missile is designed for sea-skimming flight to reduce its signature. It operates in day or night conditions, through sea states up to 5–6, and in environments with electronic countermeasures. The warhead is a penetrating high-explosive fragmentation type. Upgraded versions incorporate satellite navigation and dual active/passive radar seekers. Launch platforms include surface combatants, coastal defense batteries, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters.

The system is widely deployed across several navies and air forces, including those of Russia, India, and Vietnam. Other operators include Algeria, Iran, Myanmar, Egypt, and North Korea, the latter of which produces a domestic derivative. The coastal defense configuration, designated Bal, employs self-propelled launcher vehicles and is integrated into Russian coastal defense brigades in the Black Sea, Caspian, Pacific, and Baltic regions. The air-launched version is integrated with platforms including the Su-30, Su-34, and Su-35S. In combat, the missile has been utilized during the Russian invasion of Ukraine starting in 2022. Ukrainian military data reported in 2024 indicates that 6.7 percent of the Kh-35 missiles launched were intercepted by air defenses.

🇩🇿 Algeria • 🇪🇬 Egypt • 🇮🇳 India • 🇮🇷 Iran • 🇲🇲 Myanmar • 🇰🇵 North Korea • 🇷🇺 Russia • 🇺🇦 Ukraine • 🇻🇪 Venezuela • 🇻🇳 Vietnam