APKWS vs Kh-69: Ukrainian Defense Shoots Down Russia’s Latest Cruise Missile With a Cheap Interceptor

On the night of October 10th, Ukrainian defenders shot down an Kh-69 cruise missile in the area of responsibility of the Air Command East using an APKWS laser-guided anti-aircraft missile.

The video of the downing was published by the press service of the Air Command East.

In total, during the repulsion of a massive Russian missile and drone strike on the night of October 10th, Ukrainian defenders managed to shoot down one of the four newest Kh-69 cruise missiles launched by the Russians.

According to the video, this was done using an anti-aircraft missile with a laser guidance system. OSINT analyst OSINTtechnical on X identified it as an APKWS anti-aircraft missile.

APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) is a project of BAE Systems. The integrated semi-active laser guidance system transformed the 70 mm Hydra unguided missile into a low-cost, multi-purpose guided missile.

Ukraine has been successfully using this type of missile, mainly to counter drones, since 2023. The cost of one missile is only about $25 thousand.

Kh-69

The Kh-69 missile, which was called the Kh-59MK2 during its first public presentation in 2009, is designed and manufactured at the facilities of the Raduga State Machine-Building Design Bureau.

In 2015, the Kh-59MK2 was completely redesigned using stealth elements. Only the guidance system remained virtually unchanged. The body received a boxy trapezoidal shape, adapted for placement in the internal compartment of the Su-57, although it can be suspended on external pylons.

The manufacturer claims that the missile can be used with the Su-30MK, Su-34, Su-35S, MiG-35S and MiG-29K.

At the top of the body is a pair of retractable wings that open in flight. The turbofan engine is located in the body of the missile, unlike the engine of the Kh-59MK2, which was located in the outer nacelle.

Russians claim that the missile carries a warhead weighing 310 kilograms with a gross weight of 710 kilograms. The maximum range is 290 kilometers, and the flight speed is about 700-1000 kilometers per hour.

The development was completed after the full-scale Russian invasion. The first confirmed use against Ukraine dates back to February 2024.