British intelligence explained why the Russian Federation deployed hypersonic missiles “Dagger” to Belarus

Russia deployed fighter-interceptors capable of carrying «Kinzhal» missiles to the territory of Belarus in order to send a message to the West and present Belarus as increasingly involved in the war. This is stated in the intelligence summary of the UK Department of Defense.

Satellite image shows that two MiG-31K interceptor aircraft were almost certainly parked at the Belarusian Machulishchi airfield on October 17, with a large container. Intelligence suggests the container is linked to an AS-24 KILLJOY — air-launched ballistic missile. hypersonic missile «Dagger».

Russia adopted «Daggers» into service since 2018, but they have not been used in Belarus before. The British Defense Ministry notes that the Russian Federation has already used these weapons in the war in Ukraine, but its stocks are probably very limited. In this regard, intelligence assumes that these missiles were deployed mainly in order to send a message to the West and present Belarus as increasingly involved in the war.