Kh-15 and mixed Soviet missile salvos

The Kh-15, called AS-16 Kickback, follows a ballistic trajectory that climbs to about 40 km before diving at Mach 5. Its stated 300 km range is shorter than the Kh-22's, but range alone does not explain the threat. The Soviet attack plan combines multiple bomber regiments against one target, some carrying Kh-22s and others Kh-15s. A defender must respond to both profiles together. Other missiles, drones, bombing aircraft or electronic warfare further complicate the response. The chess analogy compares this with an opponent moving several different pieces simultaneously.