Russia launches a Zircon hypersonic missile that flies 1,000km

Zircon . hypersonic missile was fired from the Barents Sea and hit its target in the White Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

According to Reuters, video released by the Russian Defense Ministry shows the missile being launched from a ship and launched into the sky in a steep trajectory.

TASS said that the Russian Defense Ministry informed that the Admiral Gorshkov frigate launched a Zircon hypersonic cruise missile from the Barents Sea.

The launch was part of a test of new weapons. “According to objective control data, the Tsirkon supersonic cruise missile hit a target at sea at a distance of about 1,000 km,” the Russian Defense Ministry stated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin described the Zircon as part of a new generation of unparalleled weapon systems. This hypersonic weapon can travel at 9 times the speed of sound. Russia has conducted test launches of Zircon from warships and submarines in the past year.

Last month, Russia launched the Sarmat intercontinental missile. This nuclear missile is capable of carrying 10 warheads or more and can reach the US territory.

In a related development, on May 27, TASS reported that Russia is developing a new coastal defense system for the Zircon hypersonic cruise missile. The information was revealed by two sources close to the Russian Defense Ministry.

“NPO Mashinostroyeniya in Reutov (near Moscow) is developing an advanced coastal defense missile system for the Tsirkon hypersonic missile. The system is expected to enter service with the Russian Navy before the end of 2022” – said a source. NPO Mashinostroyeniya belongs to Tactical Missile Joint Stock Company – a major Russian arms manufacturer.

Another source said, the new system, like the predecessor system Bastion used rocket Oniks (export name is Yakhont), will be able to hit targets on the ground and at sea.