Invaders Shell Kyiv with Newest Zircon Hypersonic Missile

7 February, 2024 Launch of 3M22 Zircon hypersonic missile from the Admiral Gorshkov frigate. Photo credits: Russian Navy During the morning missile attack on Ukraine, the Russians used the newest Zircon hypersonic missile.

The Monitor Telegram channel reported on this. The missile was launched from the territory of the temporarily occupied Crimean peninsula in the direction of Kyiv. According to the channel's author, the missile's trajectory differed from the trajectory of the Onyx and Kinzhal missiles used earlier.

During the flight, the missile cannot overcome the hypersonic boundary. Debris were found at the site of the missile impact, which probably belonged to a 3M22 Zircon missile.

Probable remains of a 3M22 Zircon missile. Photo credits: Monitor

This may indicate that Russia is using the newest missile weapons for testing in Ukraine and improving them in the future.

The 3M22 Zircon hypersonic missile was developed by NPO Mashinostroyeniya for use from the 3S14 universal vertical launcher. The missile was officially adopted by the Russian Navy on January 4, 2023, coinciding with the induction of the Admiral Gorshkov frigate, which serves as a carrier for this type of missile, into the Northern Fleet. In addition, according to the initial plans, the missiles are to replace the P-700 Granit anti-ship missiles, which are part of the armament of the 949A Antey nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines.

The launch of the 3M22 Zircon hypersonic missile from the Admiral Gorshkov frigate.

Photo credits: Russian Navy

So far, the exact tactical and technical characteristics of the product have not been officially reported. However, according to Western media, the range of the missile is estimated to be between 600 and 1000 km. The maximum flight speed of the missile is about 8 Machs.

The weight of the warhead is estimated at 300-400 kg. As Militarnyi previously reported, Russia imprisoned at least 12 physicists who studied physical processes at hypersonic speeds. According to the local media, the scientists were convicted under the article 'high treason'.

So far, three of them have died.