Russia accelerates development of Tsirkon hypersonic missile system to bring to Ukraine

A military source told TASS that the Tsirkon coastal missile system is expected to enter the Russian Navy “by the end of 2022”. Meanwhile, another source said the new system will be capable of hitting land and sea targets, which will give it the same capabilities as its predecessor Bastion.

Anatoly Svintsov, deputy director-general of NPO Mashinostroeniya, told military TV channel Zvezda that his factory had been ordered to “enhance the improved sea version of the Tsirkon missile”.

The report on the development of the missile system comes as the Russian Navy plays an increasingly important role in the Ukraine war.

This week, Russia is reported to have loaded Kalibr cruise missiles on two Varshavyanka submarines in the Black Sea, just days after it was reported that the US would target the Russian fleet to free the trapped grain. stuck at Ukrainian ports.

Before conducting a special military operation in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated about the ability of Russian hypersonic missiles, which are faster than conventional missiles and are more difficult to intercept by defense systems. .

Over the past two and a half years, Russia says it has test-fired the Tsirkon missile several times from the Admiral Gorshkov ship of the Northern Fleet. Moscow notes that this missile can hit targets up to 1,000km away.

Unlike a purely hypersonic missile based on fighter jets, the Tsirkon is said to be a combination of a cruise missile and a ballistic missile. Experts warn it could overwhelm the US Aegis Combat System.

Last month, Russia test-fired a nuclear-capable Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, also known as Satan II. Putin said that this weapon will definitely make opponents “think again”.

Kremlin-backed TV channels have repeatedly issued threats of missile attacks on Western countries that are supporting Kiev.