According to its own statements, the Russian Navy has successfully tested its new hypersonic missile “Zirkon” during maneuvers in the Atlantic Ocean using computer simulation. The simulation was successful, Commander Igor Kromal reported in a video distributed by the Moscow Defense Ministry.
The test was conducted during an exercise of the frigate “Fleet Admiral of the Soviet Union Gorshkov” in the western part of the Atlantic Ocean, the ministry announced on its Telegram channel on Wednesday.
Firing only simulated virtually
The missile itself was not fired at the supposed target at a distance of 900 kilometers. The video only shows how the missile hatch opens after the fire command (photo below). The further course of the launch was modeled on the screens. This would practice the processes for an actual launch would warrant it.
The “Zirkon” belongs to the quartet of hypersonic missiles developed by Russia that can still be controlled after launch. With the three others, the cruise missile “Avangard”, the ground missile “Sarmat” and the aircraft-fired “Kinzhal”, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin had already threatened the West for his re-election in 2018.
Range of more than 500 kilometers
The “Zirkon” missile (pictured below) has a range of over 500 kilometers and is mainly used for anti-ship combat. Due to its extremely high speed – according to Russian information it can accelerate to 8,000 to 9,000 kilometers per hour – it is practically unstoppable by air defenses.
Missile can also carry a nuclear warhead
The “Zirkon”, which was only officially commissioned at the beginning of January, could also potentially carry a nuclear warhead. After the “Admiral of the Soviet Union Gorshkov”, other Russian frigates will also be equipped with the cruise missile.
Source: Krone
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