Russia Unveils 'Zircon' Hypersonic Missile to Enhance Naval Supremacy.
Science and Technology
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.
- 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.
Main Point :- (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.
About Russia
President : Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin
Prime Minister (PM) : Mikhail Mishustin
____________________________
