Dubai Airshow 2025 – The new Kh-MD-E missile presented abroad for the first time
The Tactical Missiles Corporation (KTRV) presented the inter-service, multi-role, homing Kh-MD-E short-range cruise missile at the Dubai Airshow 2025
EDR On-Line previously reported on this missile, which was first showcased at the Army-2024 military exhibition. However, only two Kh-MD-E variants were reported at that time, while the missile currently exists in three variants, each with a different guidance system.
KTRV told EDR On-Line that the first variant, the Kh-MD-E1, has an inertial guidance system, which is adjusted during the cruise phase of flight using signals from jam-resistant satellite navigation equipment. A semi-active laser homing head (GSN – golovka samonavedeniya) operates during the terminal phase of the trajectory.
The second variant, the Kh-MD-E2, has an inertial guidance system, adjusted during the cruising phase of flight using signals from jam-resistant satellite navigation equipment. An active radar seeker, coupled with a thermal imaging channel, ensure guidance during the terminal phase of flight.
The third variant, the Kh-MD-E3, has an inertial guidance system, adjusted during the cruising phase of flight using signals from jam- resistant satellite navigation equipment. During the terminal phase of flight guidance is provided by a passive radar seeker, coupled with a thermal imaging channel.
The missile is equipped with a single-chamber dual-mode solid-fuel rocket engine, the trapezoidal wing and the tail unit fins wing being deployed after launch. The launch range is 40 km, while the missile can be launched at altitudes up to 9,000 meters. The Kh-MD-E is 2.4 meters long, it has a diameter of 0.2 meters and a tail span of 0.4 meters. It is equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing 30 kg, the launch weight of the missile being 110 kg.
The list of Kh-MD-E missile launch platforms has been expanded. While previously it was reported that the missile was intended to be used from MALEs (medium-altitude, long-endurance) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and helicopters, while now the list of platforms also includes tactical aircraft and surface ships.
Photo by N. Novichkov
