Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Tuesday, Oct 22, 2024

Russian missile scientists arrested after 'undefeatable' Kinzhals 'shot down'

Russian missile scientists arrested after 'undefeatable' Kinzhals 'shot down'

Three of Vladimir Putin’s top hypersonic scientists have been detained on suspicion of high treason – after Ukraine claimed to have shot down a volley of ‘undefeatable’ missiles.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the eminent academics, Anatoly Maslov, Alexander Shiplyuk and Valery Zvegintsev, all face ‘very serious accusations’.

The trio have all worked on the weapons for years and were among the authors of a book chapter entitled ‘Hypersonic Short-Duration Facilities for Aerodynamic Research at ITAM, Russia’.

Putin has long boasted that Russia is the global leader in hypersonic missiles and unveiled his ‘Kinzhal’ rockets in 2018, hailing them as ‘undefeatable’ by any present or future defence systems.

But he faced fresh humiliation on Tuesday when Ukraine said it had destroyed six of them in a single night.

The arrests have spread alarm through Russia’s scientific community.

Colleagues of the three men published an open letter protesting their innocence and warning the prosecutions posed serious risk to Russian science.

‘We know each of them as a patriot and a decent person who is not capable of doing what the investigating authorities suspect them of,’ they said.

‘In this situation, we are not only afraid for the fate of our colleagues. We just do not understand how to continue to do our job.’

The letter cited the case of Dmitry Kolker, a Siberian scientist who was arrested last year on suspicion of state treason and flown to Moscow despite suffering from advanced pancreatic cancer.

The laser specialist died two days later. It said such cases were having a chilling effect on young Russian scientists.

‘Even now, the best students refuse to come to work with us, and our best young employees are leaving science,’ the letter stated.

‘A number of research areas that are critically important to laying the fundamental groundwork for the aerospace technology of the future are simply closing because employees are afraid to engage in such research.’

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the eminent academics all face ‘very serious accusations’


Asked about the letter, Peskov said: ‘We have indeed seen this appeal, but Russian special services are working on this. They are doing their job. These are very serious accusations.’

Ukrainian air force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said the country’s air defences, bolstered by Western-supplied systems, had thwarted an intense Russian attack.

He said the barrage included six Kinzhal aero-ballistic hypersonic missiles, the most fired in a single attack in the war so far. All were shot down, he added.

Putin has repeatedly touted the Kinzhals as providing a key strategic competitive advantage and among the most advanced weapons in his country’s arsenal.

The missiles are difficult to detect and intercept because of their hypersonic speed and manoeuvrability.

If Ukraine’s claim of having shot down six fired Tuesday is confirmed, it would mark another blow to Putin’s war efforts and show the increasing effectiveness of the country’s air defences.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu contested the Ukrainian claims, telling the state-run RIA-Novosti news agency: ‘We have not launched as many Kinzhals as they allegedly shoot down every time with their statements.’

Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Egypt Shifts Energy Goals Amid Gas Challenges; Saudi Arabia Celebrates Military and Culinary Achievements; Moldovans Vote on EU Alignment
Israeli Airstrike Targets Hezbollah's Financial Resources
Farewell to Liam Payne: A Tribute Amidst Saudi Arabia's Transformative Cultural and Technological Advancements
Heartwarming Rescue: Saudi Stray Cats and Dogs Find New Homes in the Philippines Through Global Efforts
Saudi Aid Lands in Beirut, Saudi Culture Celebrated in Mauritania, and Global Reactions to Middle East Tensions
Global Challenges and Triumphs: From Middle East Peace Calls to Historic Sports Achievements
Global Tensions and Diplomatic Moves: From King Charles's Australian Tour to Rising Middle Eastern Conflicts
Global Tensions Rise: Harris Challenges Trump in Michigan, Humanitarian Efforts Expand, and Middle East Conflicts Escalate
Escalating Middle East Tensions Highlight Multifaceted Security Challenges and Political Maneuvering on Global Stage
Global Tensions and Local Debates: Key Highlights from Monarchical Visits to Criminal Justice Reforms
From Art Tributes to Legal Disputes: Global Interconnections in Justice and Humanitarian Efforts
Saudi Arabia's Global and Domestic Initiatives: From Humanitarian Aid to Economic Growth and Disaster Preparedness
Tragic Loss, Diplomatic Moves, and Global Struggles: Key Stories Shaping Our World Today
Global Tensions and Crises: Humanitarian Challenges in Gaza, Rising Gang Violence in Sweden, and Political Complexities in South Asia
EU Frustration, Saudi Growth, and Green Initiatives: A Global Snapshot of Economic and Cultural Developments
French Cement Giant Lafarge Faces Trial for Terror Financing; Global Stories Unfold: Fake Bomb Threats in India, Egypt-Iran Diplomacy, and Student Debt Relief in the US
Hong Kong's Rare Conviction of Policemen, Rising Oil Prices, and Global Geopolitical Tensions: A Worldwide Snapshot
Global Tensions and Humanitarian Crises: U.S.-Israel Talks, Ukraine Conflict, and India-Canada Diplomatic Strain
Xi Jinping Urges Troops to Prepare for Conflict Amid Taiwan Drills
Netanyahu Condemns Alleged Hezbollah Assassination Attempt
Israeli Leaflet Campaign in Gaza: A Critical Update
Saudi Arabia Launches Global Harmony Initiative Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Surge in Bomb Threat Hoaxes Strikes Indian Airlines Amidst Weather Chaos and Global Economic Shifts
Global Turmoil: Hoax Bomb Threats Disrupt Indian Flights, Russian Sailor's Survival Story, and Calls for Clemency Shake U.S. Justice
Global Shifts: Sudan's Crisis, Middle East Tensions, and the Push Towards Green Energy
Elon Musk's $75 Million Donation Boosts Pro-Trump Efforts Amid Global Political Shifts
Global Shifts: China-U.S. Diplomacy, Korean Tensions, Middle Eastern Peace Calls, EU Initiatives, and Indonesia’s Halal Compliance
Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar Killed in Israeli Operation
Biden Praises Israel's Military Action Against Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar
Yahya Sinwar’s Death Marks Pivotal Moment in Gaza War
Global Tensions Surge: Hate Crime in Maryland, Rising Middle Eastern Conflicts, and US Political Drama Unfold
Hezbollah Deputy Chief Calls for Ceasefire Amidst Escalating Conflict with Israel
US Warns Israel of Potential Aid Cuts Over Gaza Assistance Delays
Global Solar Initiatives Surge in Saudi Arabia Amidst Rising Middle East Tensions
Israeli Airstrike in Lebanon Sparks UN Investigation Calls Amid Rising Regional Tensions and Global Responses
Saudi Arabia Champions Cultural and Diplomatic Initiatives for Middle East Stability and Palestinian Support
Turkiye Protests Intensify Amid Rising Femicides as Global Tensions Escalate and EU-GCC Summit Approaches
Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council Pushes for Educational Investment, as Global Relations and Cultural Contributions Shine
Lebanon's Healthcare Crisis Amid Conflict, Saudi Arabia's Green Campaign, and Sports Highlights: A Snapshot of Regional Developments
Global Developments: Pakistan's Lockdown for SCO Summit, EU Migration Challenges, US Voting Rights Legal Battles, and Boost in Saudi Markets
Sustainable Innovation: Riyadh's New Murabba Hits Milestone Amid Regional Security and Climate Initiatives
Remarkable Survival Tale and Global Economic Collaborations: From Russia to Saudi Arabia's Expanding Influence
From Saudi Art at G20 to Lebanon's Rising Tensions: Navigating Global Cultural and Political Currents
Kamala Harris Courts Black and Latino Voters; UN Condemns Israeli Attacks; Saudi Arabia Launches International Qur’an Competition; Study of Al-Wahbah Crater Unveils Potential Extraterrestrial Insights; Pioneering Robotic Organ Transplants in Riyadh; Saudi Crown Prince’s Diplomatic Visit to Egypt
Egypt Reduces External Debt by $15 Billion as Islamic Development Bank Commits $3 Billion to Global Projects; Middle East Tensions Highlighted by Recent Developments
Global Developments: Italian Troops' Safety, Afghan Relocations, and Political Shifts in Indonesia
Global Economic Turbulence: IMF Debt Warning, Oil Price Slump, and Sustainability Initiatives
Escalating Tensions in Gaza and Beyond: Regional Leaders Respond Amidst Global Unrest
Rising Tensions: Israel Strikes Lebanon, Iran Denies Missile Transfers, and China Conducts Drills Near Taiwan
Arab American PAC Breaks Tradition, Global Tensions Rise, and New Alliances Form
×