Given the setbacks in Ukraine, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin commissioned the new hypersonic missile Zirkon on Wednesday. Putin spoke of a “powerful weapon”. Russia wants to use it to demonstrate its naval superiority.
“I am sure that such a powerful weapon will allow us to reliably protect Russia from outside threats and protect our country’s national interests,” Putin said in a televised video from the Kremlin on Wednesday. the launch of the “Zirkon” missiles on the frigate Admiral Gorshkov.
Russia wants to demonstrate naval power
Admiral Gorshkov belongs to Russia’s Northern Fleet and will be sent on a long voyage to the Atlantic and Indian Oceans to demonstrate Russian naval power. The warship, which entered service in 2018, is the first frigate to be equipped with the new missiles.
Range of more than 500 kilometers
The missile “Zirkon” has a range of more than 500 kilometers and is mainly used to fight ships. Due to its extremely high speed – according to Russian information it can accelerate up to 8,000 to 9,000 kilometers per hour – it is practically unstoppable by air defenses.
The commissioning should also be seen as a response to the massive expansion of the Ukrainian air defense system with Western support. For example, the United States has already supplied Ukraine with several heavy weapon systems, including the Himar-type multiple rocket launchers, which sometimes inflict heavy casualties on the Russian armed forces. During Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyj’s visit to Washington shortly before Christmas, Biden also pledged to provide Ukraine with a Patriot air defense system.
Source: Krone
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