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Russia Unveils 'Zircon' Hypersonic Missile to Enhance Naval Supremacy.

Science and Technology | Dated: 02 Apr 2025

In March 2025, Russia unveiled the 'Zircon' Hypersonic Missile, a cutting-edge weapon capable of reaching speeds of Mach 9 (over 10,000 kilometers per hour, km/h) at altitudes of 20 km. Zircon is described as a "strategic asset," marking a significant leap in military technology with the ability to strike land, sea, and airborne targets with unmatched precision and speed.

🎯 Key Highlights:

- The Zircon, also known as the 3M22 Zircon, is a Supersonic Combustion Ramjet (Scramjet)-powered, nuclear-capable hypersonic cruise missile.
- It utilizes the 3S-14 launch platforms on frigates and submarines and was first used during Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2024.

💡 Other Important Facts:

(i) The Zircon hypersonic missile was initially developed as an anti-ship missile but is versatile enough to strike ground targets as well.
(ii) Its maximum strike distance is estimated to be around 1,500 km (932 miles), enabling long-range strikes and significantly extending Russia's strike capabilities.
(iii) In March 2025, Russia officially launched "Perm," a 4th-generation nuclear-powered attack submarine and the first Russian submarine designed to carry and launch hypersonic Zircon missiles.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which country recently unveiled the 'Zircon' hypersonic missile to strengthen its naval dominance?

Correct Answer: Russia

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Russia

President : Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin
Prime Minister (PM) : Mikhail Mishustin