Russia has officially unveiled the Zircon hypersonic missile, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 9—over 10,000 kph—at altitudes of 20 km. President Vladimir Putin described it as a "strategic" weapon designed to strike land, sea, and air targets with extreme precision.
The missile’s speed and manoeuvrability make it nearly impossible to intercept, significantly enhancing Russia’s military capabilities.
As part of its broader military strategy, Russia is expanding its naval forces. Speaking in Murmansk, Putin emphasised the Navy’s role in national security and global strategic balance. He announced the construction of five additional Yasen-M class submarines, three Borei-A class submarines, and various surface ships by 2050.
A key element of this expansion is the recent launch of the Perm, the first Yasen-M class submarine specifically designed to fire Zircon hypersonic missiles. Putin highlighted its rapid development: "We launched its construction in 2015, launched it in 2023, and handed it over to the Armed Forces in 2024. This is a state-of-the-art vessel."
The Perm is equipped with 10 vertical launch system (VLS) tubes capable of firing Zircon, Kalibr, and Oniks cruise missiles, bringing its total payload to 40 missiles. Featuring advanced stealth and automation, the Yasen-M class is regarded as Russia’s most sophisticated attack submarine.
Zircon’s Capabilities
The 3M22 Zircon is Russia’s cutting-edge hypersonic missile, designed for high-speed strikes against naval and land targets. First unveiled by Putin in 2019, it was successfully test-fired from a warship in January 2020, reaching a training target 500 km away.
Travelling at Mach 9 (over 10,000 kph) while maintaining manoeuvrability, Zircon is extremely difficult to detect or intercept using existing air defence systems. Initially developed as an anti-ship missile, it is versatile enough to strike ground targets as well.
The Admiral Gorshkov, a modern frigate with Russia’s Northern Fleet, is the first warship to carry Zircon. The missile has also been deployed on submarines, with its first underwater test launch conducted by the nuclear-powered Severodvinsk in October 2021.
Zircon is compatible with Russia’s standard vertical launch systems, allowing it to be integrated into multiple naval platforms. While Moscow has not officially disclosed its full range, a Russian naval commander estimated its maximum reach at 1,500 km (932 miles), significantly bolstering Russia’s long-range strike capabilities.
Putin reinforced Zircon’s strategic importance: "Considering how effective, precise, and fast this weapon is, it can certainly be considered a strategic system."
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