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Russia Launches Enhanced Vikhr-1 Missile with Expanded Combat Capabilities.
The Kalashnikov Group has successfully fulfilled its commitments for the year 2024 regarding the delivery of Vikhr-1 air-launched guided missiles, ensuring complete and timely shipments. This achievement was made possible by the opening of new production facilities equipped with advanced technology, allowing the company to meet its delivery schedule.

The Vikhr-1 missile is an enhanced version of the Russian 9K121 Vikhr air-launched guided missile. (Picture source: Kalashnikov)
In addition to fulfilling its current obligations, Kalashnikov has introduced a modified version of the Vikhr-1 missile, offering expanded combat capabilities. This new variant, now in production, is being shipped to the relevant customers.
Moreover, Kalashnikov is about to finalize the commissioning of two new workshops dedicated to the production of anti-aircraft guided missiles for the Strela air defense system. These workshops are expected to be fully operational by December.
The Vikhr-1 missile is an enhanced version of the Russian 9K121 Vikhr air-launched guided missile, developed by the KBP design bureau. Designed to be launched from helicopters such as the Ka-50 and Ka-52, as well as from ground attack aircraft like the Su-25T, the Vikhr-1 is intended to engage a wide range of ground and air targets, including armored vehicles, fortified structures, helicopters, attack aircraft, and drones. Its ability to operate day and night, even in adverse weather conditions, makes it a valuable asset on the battlefield.
The missile is equipped with a versatile dual-stage warhead, consisting of a shaped charge and a fragmentation casing, allowing it to destroy a variety of targets, whether armored, airborne, or surface-based. This design makes the Vikhr-1 more flexible than other missiles that require specific variants for each type of target. Its engagement range varies from 800 to 10,000 meters, with a vertical range from 10 to 4,000 meters, and its maximum speed reaches Mach 1.8 (610 meters per second), enabling it to strike targets quickly. The laser beam-riding guidance system, emitted by the launch platform, ensures enhanced accuracy while reducing susceptibility to jamming and electronic countermeasures, unlike homing-guided missiles.
Furthermore, the Vikhr-1 can be fired individually or in a salvo of two missiles simultaneously against the same target, increasing its efficiency and lethality compared to previous systems. This capability to engage multiple targets rapidly enhances its versatility and performance in modern combat scenarios. With its high precision and ability to strike with speed and power, the Vikhr-1 meets the current demands of armed forces, providing a reliable and effective solution for long-range strike missions.
Kalashnikov's precision-guided munitions, including anti-aircraft missiles for the Strela system, the Vikhr-1, and Kitolov-2M guided artillery shells, continue to play a key role in air defense operations. The company has significantly increased the production of these systems in 2024, further strengthening its commitment to providing advanced solutions to meet modern defense needs.