The signing of the first contract for the supply of hypersonic missiles "Zircon" to the Russian armed forces so worried some American journalists that they called it bad news. The article with the corresponding title was prepared for The National Interest by columnist Mark Episkopos.
The documents were signed during the international military-technical forum "Army-2021", the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported. According to the publication, the contract was awarded to the general director of the Scientific and Production Association of Mechanical Engineering Alexander Leonov, who said that the delivery will be completed in 2025.
- The statement does not specify which Russian vessels will be the first to receive the "Zircon". However, earlier reports said that the first full-time carrier of a hypersonic missile would be the frigate project 22350. Eventually, the missile will be equipped with many ships of the Russian Navy, including nuclear-powered cruisers of the Orlan project, modernized frigates of the 11356 project and small missile ships of the 22800 project. In addition, "Zircons" will be used by submarines of the Yasen-M project, " writes Episkopos.
Referring to military experts, the author notes that the "Zircon" will be able to confidently counteract the effective work of the aircraft carrier groups of the US Navy, which are considered the main striking force of the American army.
The colleague is supported by another author of The National Interest, Peter Suchiu.
- The President of Russia has repeatedly stated that hypersonic weapons have no equal in the world and "Zircon" will undoubtedly increase the country's defense capability in the future. Now it seems that Russia has done it, " he wrote.
According to him, the frigates, which will be carriers of hypersonic missiles, will become the basis of the surface fleet of the Russian Navy.
"The combination of speed, maneuverability and altitude can make it difficult to track and intercept such a missile," Suchiu notes.
He added that due to its size, the "Zircon" does not necessarily have a powerful warhead.
- The speed and power of a hypersonic missile is so great that it can cause damage simply by hitting, without even needing an explosive substance, - the expert concluded.
Timur Alimov
