Russia upgrades its Iskander-M and Kinzhal missiles to evade Ukrainian air defenses

Russia has upgraded its Iskander-M and Kinzhal ballistic missiles, making them more resistant to Ukrainian air defense systems.

The Financial Times reports this, citing Ukrainian and Western sources.

According to the publication, this summer's attacks on Ukrainian drone factories indicate that russia has been able to adapt the missiles to evade the American Patriot systems, which are effective against classic ballistic missiles. After launch, the new missiles first move along a typical trajectory, and then can change course, dive at a high angle or maneuver in such a way as to "confuse" air defenses.

Experts note that this is a "game changer" for the russian side. This summer, Ukrainian air defense forces were able to shoot down 37% of ballistic missiles in August, but in September the interception rate fell to 6%, despite a lower number of launches.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, on the night of September 27-28, the occupation army carried out an air attack on Ukraine. Kyiv was among the cities hit by the invaders.

17 people were killed in the air attack on Kyiv: four of them were killed, 13 were injured and traumatized.

Damage was recorded to almost a thousand objects in seven districts of the capital. In Solomianskyi district alone, 27 houses were damaged, including nine private ones.

The air defense of the Defense Forces of Ukraine destroyed 10,215 air targets of the aggressor country of russia in September 2025.