Russia demonstrates new hypersonic missile
Russian President Vladimir Putin today hailed the successful test launch of a new Zircon hypersonic cruise missile as a "big event" for the country.
Speaking to Mr Putin via a video call, Russian General Staff chief Valery Gerasimov said the test launch took place yesterday from the Admiral Groshkov frigate located in the White Sea, in the north of Russia.
A Russian Zircon hypersonic cruise missile is launched from the Admiral Groshkov frigate, in the White Sea, north of Russia. Russian Defence Ministry via AP
The missile successfully hit a target in the Barents Sea, he added.
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"Equipping our Armed Forces — the army and the navy — with the latest, truly unparalleled weapon systems will certainly ensure the defense capability of our country in the long term," Mr Putin, who was celebrating his 68th birthday today, said.
In 2019, Mr Putin had said the Zircon would be capable of flying at nine times the speed of sound and have a range of 1000 kilometres.
Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to General Staff chief Valery Gerasimov about the launch. AP
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