Russia’s Zircon Hypersonic Missile Flies at Mach 9 And Can Carry A Nuclear Warhead — Western Analysts Doubt Moscow Can Build Enough

Russia’s Zircon Hypersonic Missile Flies at Mach 9 And Can Carry A Nuclear Warhead — Western Analysts Doubt Moscow Can Build Enough

Russia’s 3M22 Zircon is the third hypersonic missile to enter service with the Russian Armed Forces, following the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal and the Avangard intercontinental ballistic missile. Developed by NPO Mashinostroyeniya, the ramjet-powered cruise missile flies at an estimated Mach 9, ranges between 500 and 1,000 kilometers, and is launched from the 3S-14 vertical tube — making it compatible with Admiral Gorshkov-class frigates, Yasen-class and Os…