Military expert Dmitry Kornev on Thursday, November 18, in an interview with Izvestia, evaluated the test launch of the hypersonic missile "Zircon" from the frigate "Admiral Gorshkov".
He said that state tests of "Zircon" for the Navy - submarines and surface ships are currently underway. This missile should be used for single and group surface, as well as ground targets.
"It is believed that after the design tests, the rocket is ready — this is the first stage. During the state tests (this stage began in November of this year), the weapons complex and its operation are checked: first of all, targeting and application systems. They are also checking the system of protection against unauthorized use — "Zircon" can get a nuclear warhead, and in this case it cannot be dispensed with," Kornev said.
The military expert also stressed that the project 22350 frigates will be the carriers of the Zircon, pointing out that they already have launchers and all the necessary equipment.
In addition, the Project 885M submarines and the Project 885 Severodvinsk submarine are to receive these hypersonic missiles. The Admiral Nakhimov nuclear cruiser, currently undergoing modernization, will also be armed with these missiles, Kornev added, noting that there will be other carriers in the future.
Earlier in the day, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the successful test launch of a hypersonic missile "Zircon".
The launch was carried out by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov on a sea target from the White Sea. According to objective control data, the flight of the hypersonic missile corresponded to the specified parameters. The target was hit by a direct hit. Surface ships and naval aviation of the Northern Fleet were involved in providing firing and closing the area.
On November 3, Vladimir Putin announced that hypersonic missiles "Zircon" will begin to arrive in the Navy from next year. The Head of State added that the tests carried out also confirmed the uniqueness of the Peresvet (laser weapon complex) and Avangard complexes.
In October, the tests of the "Zircon" from a submarine were completed. Rocket firing was carried out from a launch vehicle from the Severodvinsk submarine.
Hypersonic weapons in Russia were presented in 2018. In addition to the Zircon missiles, they include the Dagger and Avangard complexes.
