zircon hypersonic cruise missile is launched

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Russia says it has test-fired another hypersonic missile

The Associated Press

In this image taken from video released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Saturday, a new Zircon hypersonic cruise missile is launched by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov of the Russian navy from the Barents Sea. Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP hide caption

MOSCOW — The Russian navy on Saturday conducted another test of a prospective hypersonic missile, a demonstration of the military's long-range strike capability amid the fighting in Ukraine.

The Defense Ministry said the Admiral Gorshkov frigate of the Northern Fleet in the White Sea launched the Zircon cruise missile in the Barents Sea, successfully hitting a practice target in the White Sea about 1,000 kilometers (540 nautical miles) away.

North Korea is testing hypersonic weapons. Should the West be worried?

The launch was the latest in a series of tests of Zircon, which is set to enter service later this year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Zircon is capable of flying at nine times the speed of sound and has a range of 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). Putin has emphasized that its deployment will significantly boost the capability of Russia's military.

National Security

Australia, the u.k. and the u.s. say they will develop hypersonic missiles.

Zircon is intended to arm Russian cruisers, frigates and submarines and could be used against both enemy ships and ground targets. It is one of several hypersonic missiles under development in Russia.

Russian officials have boasted about Zircon's capability, saying that it's impossible to intercept with existing anti-missile systems.

Ukraine invasion — explained

War hacks: how outgunned ukraine finds ways to counter russia.

Putin, who has sternly warned Western allies against interfering in Ukraine, has warned in the past that Russian warships armed with Zircon would give Russia a capability to strike "decision-making centers" within minutes if deployed in neutral waters.

• hypersonic missiles

Russia shows off military might during Zircon hypersonic cruise missile test launch at sea

Topic: Defence Industry

Russia has successfully test-fired a hypersonic Zircon cruise missile over a distance of about 1,000 kilometres, the defence ministry says.

Key points:

• Russia's defence ministry says the missile was fired from the Barents Sea and hit a target in the White Sea
• Hypersonic weapons can travel at nine times the speed of sound
• The launch was the latest in a series of tests of Zircon, which is set to enter service later this year

The missile was fired from the Barents Sea north of Russia and Scandinavia and hit a target in the White Sea off Russia's north-west coast, it said.

Video released by the ministry showed the missile being fired from a ship and blazing into the sky on a steep trajectory.

President Vladimir Putin has described the Zircon as part of a new generation of unrivalled arms systems that will significantly boost the capability of Russia's military.

Hypersonic weapons can travel at nine times the speed of sound and Russia has conducted previous test launches of the Zircon from warships and submarines in the past year.

The launch was the latest in a series of tests of Zircon, which is set to enter service later this year.

Zircon is intended to arm Russian cruisers, frigates and submarines and could be used against both enemy ships and ground targets. It is one of several hypersonic missiles under development in Russia.

Russian officials have boasted about Zircon's capability, saying it is impossible to intercept with existing anti-missile systems.

Mr Putin, who has sternly warned Western allies against interfering in Ukraine, has warned in the past that Russian warships armed with Zircon would give Russia the capability to strike "decision-making centres" within minutes if deployed in neutral waters.

Russia's military has suffered heavy losses of men and equipment during its three-month invasion of Ukraine, which it calls a "special operation" , but it has continued to stage high-profile weapons tests to remind the world of its prowess in missile technology.

Last month it test-launched a new nuclear-capable intercontinental missile, the Sarmat , capable of carrying 10 or more warheads and striking the United States.

• Cover Letters
• Jobs I've Applied To
• Saved Searches
• Subscriptions

Marine Corps

Coast guard.

• Space Force
• Military Podcasts
• Benefits Home
• Military Pay and Money
• Veteran Health Care
• VA eBenefits
• Veteran Job Search
• Military Skills Translator
• Upload Your Resume
• Veteran Employment Project
• Vet Friendly Employers
• Career Advice
• Military Life Home
• Military Trivia Game
• Veterans Day
• Spouse & Family
• Military History
• Discounts Home
• Featured Discounts
• Veterans Day Restaurant Discounts
• Electronics
• Join the Military Home
• Contact a Recruiter
• Military Fitness

Russia Reports Successful Test Launch of Hypersonic Missile

MOSCOW — The Russian military reported another successful test launch of a new Zircon hypersonic cruise missile on Monday.

Russia's Defense Ministry said the missile was launched from an Admiral Groshkov frigate located in the White Sea, in the north of Russia.

The ministry said the missile successfully hit a target more than 350 kilometers (217 miles) away on the coast of the Barents Sea.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the Zircon missile would be capable of flying at nine times the speed of sound and have a range of 1,000 kilometers (620 miles).

An earlier test launch took place in October, on Putin's birthday. Russia's leader hailed it as a “big event” for the country.

“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,” Putin said at the time.

You May Also Like

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, one of Ukraine’s most recognizable faces on the international stage, submitted his...

The Justice Department has announced criminal charges against Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and other militants in connection...

A Space Force officer will command a mission later this month to safely bring home two astronauts who have been unexpectedly...

A St. Bernard mix named Bear, who had been missing for 2 years, is on the way to being located with his service member's...

Military News

• Investigations and Features
• Military Opinion

Select Service

• National Guard

Most Popular Military News

Unlike most naval officers who find themselves facing the military justice system, Capt. Brad Geary is not staying quiet.

The VA's effort to recover payments to service members voluntarily or involuntarily separated from their respective military...

In an unsparing report this summer, the watchdog estimated that VA has failed to inform up to 87,000 Vietnam war veterans and...

It's the latest volley in an extended back and forth as Trump tries to saddle Harris with the Biden administration's handling...

A French study found that patients who developed myocarditis after receiving the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines did not have the same...

Latest Benefits Info

• VA Loan Eligibility for Surviving Spouses
• Air Force Tuition Assistance
• National Guard Tuition Assistance
• Coast Guard Tuition Assistance
• Marine Corps Tuition Assistance

More Military Headlines

The commander of a destroyer that’s helping protect the San Diego-based aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt in the Middle...

Ukrainian officials say two Russian ballistic missiles blasted a military academy and nearby hospital in Ukraine, killing...

• Moore Says He Made an 'Honest Mistake' Failing to Correct Application Claiming Bronze Star
• Trump Issues Statement From Gold Star Families Defending Arlington Cemetery Visit and Ripping Harris
• 7 US Troops Hurt in Raid With Iraqi Forces Targeting Islamic State Group Militants That Killed 15
• Osprey Crash Investigations Often Blame the Pilots and Crew. Is That Fair?
• Air Force Leaker Jack Teixeira's Court-Martial Tentatively Scheduled for March
• Judge Allows Bond for Fired Florida Deputy in Fatal Shooting of Black Airman
• Commander of Navy Warship Relieved of Duty Months After Backward Rifle Scope Photo Flap
• Navy’s Efforts to Revamp Farmland in Maryland Is Latest Energy Project to Draw Opposition
• Naval Academy's Farragut Sea Wall Repairs Completed After Nearly 2 Years

Military Benefits Updates

• The Next Deadline for Backdated PACT Act Payments Is Coming Soon. Here’s What You Need to Know
• VA Fertility Benefits for Military Veterans
• Fertility Benefits for Active-Duty Service Members
• Marine Corps Extremist, Gang Activity Must Be Immediately Reported Up the Chain, Service Says
• 2 Marines Attacked by Members of Anti-American Group During Port Call in Turkey
• Titanic Expedition Yields Lost Bronze Statue, High-Resolution Photos and Other Discoveries
• Coast Guard Still Hasn't Reformed 5 Years After Deadly Conception Boat Fire, Board Warns
• California to Deploy Surplus C-130 Aircraft from Coast Guard to Fight Wildfires

Entertainment

• 'Primitive War' Pits American GIs Against Dinosaurs During the Vietnam War
• Military Families Overseas Now Can Watch the Entire 2024 NFL Season Live on the American Forces Network App
• 'Tis Not Our War': Why Most Americans Dodged the Civil War Draft and Deserted the Union Army

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Newsletters
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides
• Labor Day sales

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Online checking
• High-yield savings
• Money market
• Home equity loan
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Options pit
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Russia shows off Zircon hypersonic cruise missile in test-launch at sea

(Reuters) - Russia successfully test-fired a hypersonic Zircon cruise missile over a distance of about 1,000 km (625 miles), the defence ministry said on Saturday.

The missile was fired from the Barents Sea and hit a target in the White Sea, it said. Video released by the ministry showed the missile being fired from a ship and blazing into the sky on a steep trajectory.

President Vladimir Putin has described the Zircon as part of a new generation of unrivalled arms systems. Hypersonic weapons can travel at nine times the speed of sound, and Russia has conducted previous test-launches of the Zircon from warships and submarines in the past year.

Russia's military has suffered heavy losses of men and equipment during its three-month invasion of Ukraine, which it calls a "special operation", but it has continued to stage high-profile weapons tests to remind the world of its prowess in missile technology.

Last month it test-launched a new nuclear-capable intercontinental missile, the Sarmat, capable of carrying 10 or more warheads and striking the United States.

(Reporting by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)

Recommended Stories

Angels' ben joyce comes 0.3 mph short of fastest pitch ever recorded.

The Angels flamethrower struck out the Dodgers' Tommy Edman with some ridiculous heat.

Chicago Sky's Diamond DeShields responds to toxic fan after hard foul on Caitlin Clark

An incident involving Cailtin Clark and the Sky got ugly. Again.

49ers' Ricky Pearsall released from hospital after being shot in chest in San Francisco

Ricky Pearsall was shot during an alleged attempted robbery in San Francisco on Saturday afternoon.

Only Amazon Prime members can score these 7 secret deals, starting at just $9

Insider-only bargains include a $20 water flosser (that's 50% off) and $25 off a Samsonite carry-on with a 16,000-person fan club.

Data Dump Wednesday: 10 stats you need to know for Week 1 | Yahoo Fantasy Forecast

Week 1 has arrived and so is our new Wednesday show. Matt Harmon and Sal Vetri debut 'Data Dump Wednesday' by sharing 10 data points you need to know for Week 1 to maximize your fantasy lineups.

South Carolina basketball star Ashlyn Watkins reportedly arrested on assault, kidnapping charges

Watkins averaged 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds last season while helping the Gamecocks to a national championship.

Mortgage and refinance rates today, September 3, 2024: It could be a good time to buy

These are today's mortgage and refinance rates. The 30-year rate is under 6%. You may not need to wait until the Fed meeting to buy. Lock in your rate today.

Ford recalls 90,736 vehicles due to engine valve issue

Ford will recall 90,736 vehicles as engine intake valves in the vehicles may break while driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

10 bold fantasy predictions for 2024 NFL season | Yahoo Fantasy Forecast

Week 1 and the NFL season have arrived and we are so ready for it. Matt Harmon and Andy Behrens reveal our fall pod calendar with three new weekly shows and co-hosts. While the rest of this week's pods will focus on Week 1, consider this pod our final full season preview of the year. Harmon and Behrens share their five boldest fantasy predictions for the 2024 season.

A new era of easy money dawns as Fed nears first rate cut since 2020

The coming policy shift expected to start at the Fed's September meeting will ripple through the economy by making it cheaper for consumers and businesses to borrow money.

Burning Man 2024 photos: Dust storms, art installations and the creative community on vibrant display

The festival welcomed tens of thousands of Burners to the desert.

Is your iPhone compatible with iOS 18? Here are the eligible Apple devices

Apple's latest software, including Apple Intelligence features, won't be available for every iPhone user. We'll explain who's getting left out this year.

A creepy, sonar-like sound coming through Starliner’s speaker posed a brief mystery on the ISS

On Saturday, astronaut Butch Wilmore alerted NASA’s Mission Control about an unexplained “strange noise” coming from a speaker in the spacecraft. An audio clip of the conversation was shared on a NASASpaceflight forum by meteorologist Rob Dale.

Stock market today: Dow slides 600 points, Nasdaq sinks 3% as Nvidia leads chip sell-off

Wall Street is hunkering down after a roller-coaster August, with the prospect of a potentially stormy September ahead.

Former NBA PG Rajon Rondo pleads guilty to gun charge in Indiana, won't serve jail time

Rondo changed his plea to guilty following a Second Amendment ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Watch: USC WR Kyron Hudson makes incredible one-handed catch in win over LSU

Hudson's catch set up USC's first TD of the game.

Here come the Astros AGAIN, Phillies take care of the Braves, Yankees struggle | Baseball Bar-B-Cast

Jake Mintz & Jordan Shusterman discuss the Houston Astros being in great shape for a World Series title run, the Phillies-Braves being one of the best rivalries in baseball, the Yankees struggles and the Brewers in cruise control.

Final predictions for every AFC team: Jets, Titans, Steelers & more | Football 301

Nate Tice and Charles McDonald join forces to preview every team in the AFC. For each team they discuss win totals, give a player to watch and try to predict why each team could under- or over-perform expectations this season.

Novak Djokovic crashes out of US Open 1 day after Carlos Alcaraz stunner

This is the first year Djokovic didn't win a Grand Slam since 2017.

Eagles working to have counterfeit political ads endorsing candidate in Philadelphia taken down

The Philadelphia Eagles issued a statement saying they are working to take down satirical bus station ads that make it appear as if the team is endorsing a political candidate.

Advertisement

Supported by

Ukraine Claims Russia Used New Hypersonic Missile for First Time

Russia has not confirmed that a Zircon hypersonic missile was used. The United States says it’s looking into the claim.

• Share full article

By Constant Méheut

Ukraine said it had evidence that Russia had used a new hypersonic cruise missile for the first time in an attack last week, a development that might, if confirmed, pose another challenge to the country’s already strained air defenses.

A preliminary analysis of missile fragments by the government-run Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise concluded that a 3M22 Zircon missile had been used in a Feb. 7 attack that targeted cities across Ukraine. Markings typical of the missile were found on the debris, the institute said.

“We see elements that are characteristic to the 3M22 Zircon missile. Parts and fragments of the engine and steering mechanisms have specific markings,” Oleksandr Ruvin, the head of the institute, said in a social media post on Monday afternoon that included a video of the missile’s wreckage.

The Russian authorities have not commented on the use of a Zircon missile and the evidence presented by the institute could not be independently verified. American officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said they were assessing the claim but could not confirm its use in combat on Feb. 7.

Sidharth Kaushal, a research fellow and expert on sea power at the Royal United Services Institute, or RUSI, expressed caution, saying that none of the warships from which the missile had previously been tested were operating in the Black Sea at the time of the attack, meaning that the debris might belong to another type of missile.

The use of a Zircon would be a new step in Russia’s air campaign against Ukrainian military and civilian infrastructure.

The debris Ukraine says was from a Zircon was found in the Kyiv region, a spokesperson for the forensic institute said without disclosing the precise location. Ukraine’s military said it had shot down several cruise missiles during the attack, but made no mention of intercepting a Zircon.

Ukraine’s air defenses have proved relatively effective over the past year, often intercepting up to three-quarters of the missiles fired at its territory. But in recent months, Russia has launched increasingly complex barrages of different missiles and drones in an attempt to saturate and penetrate these defenses. This was again the case in last week’s attack , which killed five people and involved 64 Russian cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and drones — as well as a Zircon missile, according to Ukrainian officials.

Should Russia’s earlier description of the missile’s capabilities prove correct, experts say, it could evade powerful missile defenses such as the U.S.-designed Patriot system , which Ukraine has used to shoot down other Russian hypersonic and cruise missiles. The Russian authorities have said that the Zircon can reach eight times the speed of sound, has a range of 625 miles and can carry a 660-pound warhead.

The Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance , a nonprofit organization based in the United States, said that, if that information is accurate, the Zircon missile would be one of the fastest in the world, “making it nearly impossible to defend against due to its speed alone.”

The missile “has no analogues in any country in the world,” President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia said early last year.

Mr. Kaushal noted that the missile was first flight-tested in 2015 and declared operational by the end of 2022 — an unusually rapid development cycle. He said it had been tested off two warships, the Admiral Gorshkov-class frigate and the Yasen-class submarine, before being used to arm the frigate in January 2023.

But he noted that neither of those two warships “are actually in the Black Sea at the moment” and that “it would be unusual for the missile to be fired in live combat for the first time from a vessel from which it has never been tested before.”

The Ukrainian authorities made no mention of the launch platform for the missile.

The fact that Russia has not reported using a Zircon missile last week also raises questions. When it first used a Kinzhal missile, in March of 2022, Russia’s Defense Ministry quickly communicated about it .

How the Zircon would change calculations on the Ukrainian battlefield remains to be seen.

Russia has claimed in the past that its air-launched hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, some of the most sophisticated weapons in its arsenal, are unstoppable. But after Ukraine received the Patriot system, it managed to shoot down several Kinzhals before they could hit their targets.

Mr. Kaushal also said that the Zircon’s combat effectiveness remains unknown, with questions surrounding its claimed speed and accuracy.

Russia’s ability to produce and operate Zircon missiles, “especially as the program will compete for financial and other resources with priorities like rebuilding the Russian ground forces,” also remains in doubt, Mr. Kaushal said in a research paper published last year.

Julian Barnes and Eric Schmitt contributed reporting.

Constant Méheut has covered France from the Paris bureau of The Times since 2020. More about Constant Méheut

Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

A Deadly Russian Strike:  Russian missiles struck a military academy in eastern Ukraine, killing more than 50 people  and underscoring Moscow’s superior firepower in one of the war’s deadliest attacks.

Ukraine’s Scarred Students:  As children across Ukraine return to school, a teacher in Kyiv worries for her pupils , many of whom have fled frontline areas or lost family members in the fighting.

Russia’s Youngest Conscripts:  The long-sacrosanct practice of keeping young Russian army conscripts off the front lines  is eroding as the lack of troops in Russia’s Kursk region indicates a manpower shortage.

Ukrainian F-16 Crash:  As Ukraine mourns the death of a widely celebrated pilot, the crash of his F-16 fighter jet remains a mystery .

How We Verify Our Reporting

Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions  to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

We monitor and authenticate reports on social media, corroborating these with eyewitness accounts and interviews. Read more about our reporting efforts .

Associated Press Associated Press

Leave your feedback

• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/russian-navy-conducts-test-on-hypersonic-zircon-missile

Russian navy conducts test on hypersonic Zircon missile

MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian navy on Saturday conducted another test of a prospective hypersonic missile, a demonstration of the military’s long-range strike capability amid the fighting in Ukraine.

The Defense Ministry said the Admiral Gorshkov frigate of the Northern Fleet in the White Sea launched the Zircon cruise missile in the Barents Sea, successfully hitting a practice target in the White Sea about 1,000 kilometers (540 nautical miles) away.

The launch was the latest in a series of tests of Zircon, which is set to enter service later this year.

READ MORE: Russia captures more territory as it expands battle in eastern Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Zircon is capable of flying at nine times the speed of sound and has a range of 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). Putin has emphasized that its deployment will significantly boost the capability of Russia’s military.

Zircon is intended to arm Russian cruisers, frigates and submarines and could be used against both enemy ships and ground targets. It is one of several hypersonic missiles under development in Russia.

Russian officials have boasted about Zircon’s capability, saying that it’s impossible to intercept with existing anti-missile systems.

Putin, who has sternly warned Western allies against interfering in Ukraine, has warned in the past that Russian warships armed with Zircon would give Russia a capability to strike “decision-making centers” within minutes if deployed in neutral waters.

Support Provided By: Learn more

Educate your inbox

Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else.

Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm.

Putin's 'invincible' missile has a very common problem

• Putin has touted Russian hypersonic weapons like the Zircon missile as impossible to defend against.
• Zircon in particular is powerful but there are limits on what it can do, a Western expert says.
• Like other high-speed weapons, the Zircon's velocity may come at the expense of its accuracy.

Russia's Zircon hypersonic missile can do two things: fly at almost 7,000 mph, which makes it very hard to shoot down, or hit a moving ship. But it can't do both.

That's the conclusion of a British expert who says that the Zircon is a powerful weapon with major limitations.

"The operational deployment of the Zircon is an important development, but one whose significance should not be exaggerated," according to Sidharth Kaushal , a naval warfare expert at the Royal United Services Institute, a British defense think tank.

President Vladimir Putin has touted Russia's hypersonic weapons as being " invincible ." Russian officials claim the 3M22 Zircon can travel at Mach 9, or about 6,900 mph, which may be too fast for current tactical anti-missile defenses.

But Putin's rhetoric can't change the laws of physics. The problem is that objects traveling at hypersonic speeds — Mach 5 and beyond — ionize the air around them, creating a sheath of plasma around the object that blocks radar signals.

Yet radar is precisely how many guided missiles home in on their targets. Once the missile arrives near a designated point, an active radar seeker in the nose switches on, scans the area, and locks on target. Similar problems affect other high-speed missiles, like China's anti-ship ballistic missiles .

Related stories

"Because the missile's plasma layer precludes the use of active radar and other onboard sensors to track a target vessel in the terminal phase, the missile likely has to slow down to well short of hypersonic speeds in order to track mobile targets," Kaushal wrote.

Against targets that are fixed, like buildings on land, it's not necessary to slow down. But when hunting ships, the Zircon would probably have to slow down to supersonic speed to use its radar. If that's the case, then as it nears the target, the Zircon would not be moving any faster than earlier Russian anti-ship missiles such as the P-800 Oniks , which has a speed of about Mach 2.5, or 1,900 mph.

Supersonic missiles can be intercepted by shipboard defenses such as the US Navy's SeaRAM gun/missile system .

In addition, when the Zircon is launched, a rocket boosts it to high altitude and supersonic speed, which is necessary for the Zircon's scramjet engine to kick in and reach hypersonic velocity. The disadvantage is that unlike supersonic anti-ship missiles that can skim just above the water to avoid radar detection, the Zircon will have to stay at an altitude of about 12 miles until it gets relatively close to the target. Flying higher for longer makes it more visible to radar.

"The missile can either be hypersonic or low observable but not both in tandem," wrote Kaushal.

The Zircon should not be underestimated. A destroyer, for example, might not detect a missile until it gets to within about 15 miles, according to Kaushal. "From this point, assuming the missile is a Zircon flying at speeds of Mach 5–6, the vessel would have 15 seconds to react."

Yet Kaushal is skeptical about Russian claims that the Zircon is really operational.

The weapon was developed remarkably quickly compared to previous Russian missiles. "Furthermore, there appear to be no reported test failures, which is irregular for a new missile, especially one as complex as a hypersonic cruise missile," Kaushal noted.

The Zircon has a reported range of about 621 miles, but this is contingent on the missile being accurately guided toward the target zone: Its on-board radar can only scan a limited area, and even an aircraft carrier is a small object to spot in a big ocean. Russia also has limited maritime surveillance and detection capabilities beyond its coastal waters .

"While not much is known about the navigation system of the Zircon, the risk of plasma blackout would seem to necessitate very precise inertial guidance" as guidance from GPS or from its Russian counterpart, GLONASS, "cannot be reliably assumed," Kaushal told Insider.

Nonetheless, the Zircon may end up giving many Russian warships a hypersonic attack capability. The weapon is about 26 feet to 32 feet long, meaning it is small enough to be fitted onto smaller warships such as Admiral Gorshkov-class frigates and submarines like the Yasen-class boats that worry NATO commanders .

"It is pretty big even by cruise-missile standards," Kaushal told Insider. "That said, most vessels in the Russian fleet are being equipped to carry cruise missiles, so that is definitely a design principle for even the smaller elements of the fleet."

Michael Peck is a defense writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He holds a master's in political science. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn .

• Main content

• Europe News
• 'Flying Chernoby': Can Russia's new nuclear-powered missile be a game-changer?

'Flying Chernoby': Can Russia's new nuclear-powered missile be a game-changer?

• Recent satellite imagery suggests Russia is constructing launch facilities near a nuclear warhead storage site in Vologda, about 295 miles north of Moscow, where experts believe the missile could be deployed.
• This development, first reported by Reuters, has raised concerns about Moscow’s ambitions to operationalize the missile despite a history of failed tests and safety issues.
• The Burevestnik was first revealed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018, who touted it as part of a new generation of “invincible” weapons that could evade US missile defenses and strike anywhere in the world.
• Its unique propulsion system—powered by a miniature nuclear reactor—grants it an almost unlimited range, allowing it to fly low and avoid detection. But its lengthy and troubled testing record, along with the technical and safety challenges it presents, has left many experts skeptical of its actual military value.
• Jeffery Lewis, a missile expert at the Middlebury Institute, reviewed the satellite images and concurred. "This imagery suggests something very unique, very different. It aligns with Russia’s development of this nuclear-powered missile," he remarked, highlighting the unusual characteristics of the site and its close proximity to nuclear storage bunkers.

• The Burevestnik represents a bold leap in missile technology, but its potential deployment could intensify an already volatile global security environment.
• The missile's ability to bypass current missile defense systems gives it a unique capability that worries Western analysts, though many argue that the practical benefits of such a weapon remain questionable.
• If deployed, the Burevestnik could further escalate the nuclear arms race, especially as US-Russia arms control agreements like New START inch toward expiration.
• At the same time, the missile’s unproven reliability and significant safety risks—particularly the possibility of radiation leaks from its nuclear reactor—pose a threat not only to potential adversaries but also to Russia itself.
• The missile’s subsonic speed, one of its key design flaws, makes it vulnerable to interception, undermining its intended stealth advantages. Furthermore, the risk of catastrophic failure during testing or deployment could result in severe environmental consequences.

• The Burevestnik is designed around a concept that has been explored since the early days of the nuclear age: a nuclear-powered propulsion system that would allow a missile to fly indefinitely. Unlike conventional missiles that rely on limited fuel reserves, the Burevestnik’s miniature nuclear reactor provides the energy needed to keep it in flight for days, potentially even allowing it to circumnavigate the globe.
• The missile is launched using solid-fuel boosters, which propel it into the air, where its nuclear reactor activates to sustain its flight. In theory, the missile can fly at low altitudes to evade radar detection while maintaining a range of around 15,000 miles (23,000 kilometers). This would enable it to reach targets anywhere in the world, far surpassing the range of existing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
• However, the missile’s subsonic speed—a byproduct of its nuclear propulsion—has raised concerns about its detectability. While it can fly longer than traditional missiles, it moves slower, giving enemy defense systems more time to track and potentially intercept it. This drawback limits the missile’s operational value compared to other Russian missile systems, such as the Sarmat ICBM, which is faster and capable of delivering multiple warheads over similar distances.
• Between 2017 and 2019, Russia conducted at least 13 known tests of the Burevestnik, with most ending in failure. Only two tests were reported as partial successes. In one test in 2019, the missile crashed into the White Sea, causing a catastrophic explosion that killed several Russian scientists. This incident highlighted the dangers of the missile’s nuclear-powered engine, leading experts to question whether the risks outweigh the benefits.
• The potential deployment of the Burevestnik is being closely monitored by the US and Nato, especially after satellite imagery revealed construction activities near the Vologda-20 nuclear warhead storage facility. The site, located roughly 400 miles from Russia’s borders with Finland and Estonia, appears to be designed for large, fixed missile systems, according to analysts. This development suggests that Russia may be preparing to station Burevestnik missiles at the site, making them ready to launch on short notice.
• Experts remain divided on whether the Burevestnik would significantly alter Russia’s strategic capabilities. Some argue that the missile’s ability to evade missile defenses and fly long distances gives it a unique advantage, particularly in a second-strike scenario. Others, however, are skeptical.
• One of the most significant concerns surrounding the Burevestnik is its nuclear propulsion system. Because the missile is powered by an unshielded nuclear reactor, it could spew radioactive material along its flight path or in the event of a malfunction.
• When compared to other missile systems in Russia’s arsenal, the Burevestnik’s advantages appear limited. For instance, the Sarmat ICBM, which also carries nuclear warheads, has a range of over 11,000 miles (17,700 kilometers) and can deliver multiple warheads at hypersonic speeds. This makes it far more difficult to intercept than the slower Burevestnik, which could be tracked and shot down during its prolonged flight.
• Moreover, the Burevestnik’s unique propulsion system raises significant safety and reliability concerns. The 2019 explosion during a test recovery operation underscored the dangers of handling a nuclear-powered missile.
• “The Skyfall is a uniquely stupid weapon system, a flying Chernobyl that poses more threat to Russia than to other countries,” said Thomas Countryman, a former US State Department official.
• Hans Kristensen, from the Federation of American Scientists, told Reutets that the missile will be "as vulnerable as any cruise missile," while analyst Jeffery Lewis emphasizes, "The site’s design suggests they’re preparing for something very unique."
• “I don’t understand Putin’s motive here,” Kristensen added, referring to the missile’s uncertain strategic value.
• As per Reuters, Decker Eveleth, the analyst who identified the construction site, believes it’s clearly designed for the Burevestnik. "The site is for a large, fixed missile system, and the only large system they're currently developing is Skyfall," he said, pointing to the nine horizontal launch pads shielded by berms to protect against explosions or attacks.
• As Russia moves closer to deploying the Burevestnik, the missile’s impact on global security remains uncertain. While it could symbolize Russia’s determination to maintain its status as a nuclear superpower, its actual operational value may be limited by its technical flaws and safety issues.
• The missile’s troubled test history suggests that it may not live up to the lofty claims made by Putin when he first announced it in 2018.
• Nonetheless, the Burevestnik’s development could have broader implications for the global arms race. With the US and Russia’s New START treaty set to expire in 2026, the missile could become a bargaining chip in future arms control negotiations. Pavel Podvig, a Russian nuclear expert, described the missile as a “political weapon” that Putin has used to project strength and signal Russia’s willingness to challenge the West.
• As tensions between Russia and the West continue to rise—particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine—the Burevestnik’s deployment could add another layer of complexity to an already dangerous geopolitical landscape.
• However, "the Burevestnik is not a wonder weapon, and the challenges it poses for NATO security are neither new nor unmanageable. It may seem scary on paper, but the technical infeasibility of its mission limits its threat. Much of the hype around the missile stems from Russian saber-rattling about its capabilities," Eveleth, an analyst with the CNA research, wrote in a report in Foreign Policy.

• Economy & Markets
• Digital Life

How Lockheed Martin's 'JASSM' Missile Compares To Russia's Best Long-Range Rockets

The long-range missiles are reportedly to be sold to ukraine for use against russia..

The United States is reportedly close to a deal to sell Ukraine long-range missiles that could hit deep inside Russia. The deal would provide Lockheed Martin's Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSMs).

The calls for approval come after a bombardment that killed more than 50 people in Poltava on Tuesday.

The cruise missiles would be part of a weapons package sent this Fall, Reuters reported .

JASSMs Range

The missile has a range of more than 500 miles and carries a 1,000-pound warhead, according to Lockheed Martin. They could be fired from F-16 fighter planes that are being delivered to the Ukraine war effort.

The missiles would bring up to 30 Russian airbases into range of Ukraine's military.

JASSMS were developed more than 20 years ago for the U.S. Air Force but is now approved for sale to several U.S. allies. In July, the U.S. and Netherlands formalized an agreement to purchase the missiles. It is the fifth international customer of the missiles.

Russian Missiles Used Against Ukraine

Russia has long been using long-range missiles against Ukraine including hypersonic Zircon missiles. They have a range of 635 miles and travel at nine times the speed of sound, Reuters reported .

The Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance says its warhead size is currently unknown by public Western sources.

Ukraine's military said in the Spring that Russia had around 950 high-precision missiles available for use against Ukraine with ranges of more than 215 miles.

Russia has used missiles that are launched from sea, land and air against Ukraine's weak defense systems.

© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.

Ex Cop Attacked At Capitol Harry Dunn Stunned By Planned Jan. 6 Awards Event At Trump Golf Club

No TV Or Screens For Toddlers, Sweden Tells Parents

Election Outcome Highlights Germany's Ukraine War Problem

Paris Zinc Roofers Seek Elusive UNESCO Heritage Status

Azerbaijan: A Country Steeped In Hydrocarbons

Nearly 40,000 People Died Alone At Home In Japan So Far This Year: Police

Homes Bulldozed In Timor-Leste Ahead Of Pope's Visit

Some Moms For Liberty Not Real Fond Of Trump's Oral Sex Jab At Kamala Harris

Veterans' Ad Scorches Trump For Using Military Graves As Campaign Props

A President Can Do 'Everything,' Nostalgic Trump Recounts, 'You Have So Much Power'

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Climate 100
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Wine Offers
• Betting Sites

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Russian attack kills 7 in Lviv as Zelensky reshuffles Ukraine cabinet

A mother and her three children were among those killed in the strikes, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails, thanks for signing up to the breaking news email.

Russian strikes overnight in the western city of Lviv have killed seven people, including three children.

15 people were taken to hospital and five children wounded in the strikes, according to Lviv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi.

Mum-of-three Yevheniia and her daughters – Yaryna, Daryna and Emiliia - were among those killed in the strike, he added.

Around 50 buildings were reported damaged as buildings caught fire near the central railway station of Lviv, western Ukraine’s largest city just 70 kilometres (43 miles) from the Polish border.

Overnight explosions were also heard in Kyiv, Sumy, Lutsk and Rivne.

This morning, Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba handed in his resignation letter as Ukraine ’s government undergoes a major reshuffle - with six other ministers resigning.

Another of those stepping down is the minister for strategic industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin, who was in charge of the country’s weapons production.

In all the government reshuffle, first hinted at by president Volodymyr Zelensky last week, has left about a third of cabinet positions vacant.

Ukraine yesterday suffered one of their most devastating strikes, as 51 were killed and 200 injured in Poltava.

Wearing prosthetics, Ukraine war veterans take to the runway as fashion week returns

Ukrainian war veterans with prosthetic limbs have taken to the runway in Kyiv as the country's fashion week returned home for the first time since the Russian invasion in 2022

Zelensky shakes up Ukraine government as six ministers resign and presidential aide fired

Ukraine’s government is undergoing a significant shake-up, with at least six ministers resigning and a presidential aide fired.

The changes come as president Volodymyr Zelensky prepares for a critical period in the war against Russian forces. The ministers who resigned include deputy prime minister Olha Stefanishyna, the justice, environment, and reintegration ministers, and the head of Ukraine’s State Property Fund.

About a third of the cabinet positions are now vacant.

Mr Zelensky signalled the reshuffle last week, citing the need for change, and is expected to outline his “victory plan” to Joe Biden during an upcoming visit to the US.

UN nuclear watchdog head is in Ukraine out of renewed concern over Zaporizhzhia power plant safety

The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog is holding talks with senior officials in Ukraine after attacks were reported near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Simon Harris announces £36m aid to Ukraine

The Taoiseach, Simon Harris, will announce £36m in aid to Ukraine, made up of a new allocation of £30m to partner organisations through its development body Irish Aid, and £6m to European Investment Bank projects which had been previously flagged.

The Irish government said the £30m package will provide essential humanitarian assistance, support rehabilitation and eventual reconstruction, and contribute to Ukraine’s longer-term goals, including peace, stability and political aspirations.

Mr Harris said: “Two and a half years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to face immense challenges.

“We have seen the remarkable resilience shown by the people of Ukraine in the face of these challenges.

“That same determination and resolve will be needed to rebuild their country, with support from international partners including Ireland.

“We have been unequivocal and steadfast in our support for the people of Ukraine and this additional funding continues to demonstrate that commitment.”

Irish premier to meet Zelensky as Dublin announces fresh funds for Ukraine

Irish premier Simon Harris is to meet Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv as Ireland prepares to announce millions in new funding for Ukraine.

The visit on Wednesday comes the day after at least 50 people were killed and 200 injured when two Russian ballistic missiles struck a military training facility and hospital in Poltava, 200 miles south east of Kyiv.

Mr Harris and Mr Zelensky will sign a joint Agreement on Support and Co-operation during a bilateral meeting in the Ukrainian capital.

The Irish leader will visit areas bombed by Russia and also meet Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal.

Mr Harris said: “I want to see first hand and with my own eyes the impact of war on the continent of Europe.”

Poland ‘has duty’ to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine

Poland has duty to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine, minister says

Ukraine has been pushing for allies to be more involved in its defence, including giving Kyiv permission to use Western-supplied missiles to strike deep inside Russia

Russia launches air attacks on Kyiv, western city of Lviv, Ukraine's military says

Russia launched a missile attack on the capital Kyiv and a drone attack on the western city of Lviv, not far from the border with Nato-member Poland, Ukraine military officials said on Wednesday, with air defence units engaged in repelling the attacks.

Reuters witnesses heard several blasts on the outskirts of Kyiv in what sounded like air defence systems in operation.

The whole of Ukraine was under air raid alerts, Ukraine’s air force said on the Telegram messaging app.

Poland activates aircraft after Russia’s strikes on Ukraine

Polish aircraft were activated early on Wednesday for the third time in eight days to ensure the safety of Polish airspace after Russia launched strikes on Ukraine, the Operational Command of the Polish armed forces said.

“This is another very busy night for the entire air defence system in Poland due to the observed activity of the long-range aviation of the Russian Federation carrying out strikes,” the Command said on X.

How it felt to cross the Russian border on a Ukrainian tank

In a career which has spanned four decades, journalist Askold Krushelnycky has seen first-hand the brutality of the Russian regime. But as Ukraine establishes a foothold in Kursk, could the tide finally be turning?

What is Ukraine really up to with its audacious Kursk land grab?

One month on from President Zelensky’s Russian incursion began, Mary Dejevsky asks whether it is a strategic game-changer as a powerful bargaining chip – or simply a defensive move to prevent a direct march on Kyiv

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre