Russian Defense Ministry tells about 'Zircon' missile launch more than 10 times

Illustration photo. Photo: AP

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

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

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