"The defense plans outlined in the 2018 State of the Union Address have been implemented and are nearing completion," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his State of the Union Address on February 29.
In his speech, the Kremlin chief noted that Russian forces are effectively using the Kinzhal hypersonic missile system in the area of special military operations. This missile is used for attacking extremely important targets.
Meanwhile, tests of the Burevestnik cruise missile and the Poseidon system are also in the final stages.
President Putin said Russia has completed plans to improve its defense capabilities. (Photo: Reuters)
“We are doing similar work with a number of other advanced weapons systems. Weapons researchers and manufacturers will soon inform about their new achievements,” the Russian President stressed.
Mr. Putin added that the Tsirkon (Zircon) hypersonic missile system was used in a special military operation in Ukraine.
“The Tsirkon sea-based hypersonic strike system was used in combat. Although it was not mentioned in the 2018 message, this system was also put into service,” the Russian leader noted.
The Tsirkon hypersonic missile (also known as Zircon) was designed and produced by the Research and Production Association of Machine Building, a subsidiary of the Tactical Missiles Corporation of Russia. The first test launches of the missile were carried out from the underwater aircraft carrier, the nuclear-powered submarine Severodvinsk.
President Vladimir Putin said the Tsirkon missile can travel at Mach 9 (nine times the speed of sound) and its attack range can exceed 1,000 km. This speed is said to be nine times faster than the Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles currently used by the US Navy.
Tsirkon can be used against surface ships, from frigates to aircraft carriers, as well as ground targets.
The Tsirkon hypersonic missile was put into service with the Russian Armed Forces in early 2023. The Russian leader once praised this missile as “unstoppable”.
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