The Russian Ministry of Defense recounts launching the 'Zircon' missile more than 10 times.

Illustrative image. Photo: AP

This year, the Northern Fleet has conducted more than 70 tests of new weapons, includingZircon hypersonic weaponand Kinzhal. The announcement stated: "The crew of the lead frigate of Project 22350 'Admiral of the Soviet Fleet Gorshkov' successfully conducted tests of the Zircon hypersonic cruise missile, after completing approximately 10 launches. Two test firings of the Zircon missile were carried out by the crew of the main nuclear submarine of Project 885 Yasen."

Last October, the Commander of the Northern Fleet, Alexander Moiseev, reported to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu that submarine-launched tests of the Zircon hypersonic missile had been completed and all the weapon's characteristics had been confirmed. Last week, at a joint meeting of the State Council and the Council for Science and Education, President Vladimir Putin announced the successful launch of the Zircon missile.

Zircon is the world's first supersonic cruise missile capable of continuous aerodynamic flight with atmospheric maneuvers using its own engine thrust. The missile reaches a maximum speed of Mach 9 (nine times the speed of sound) and has a maximum range of thousands of kilometers. Zircon is capable of destroying both surface and land targets. It is expected that the Zircon supersonic missile will be equipped on surface ships and submarines, both prospective and those under construction.