The successful launch of the Zircon hypersonic anti-ship missile from the Admiral Gorshkov frigate forced US military analysts to take a fresh look at the combat effectiveness of the Russian Navy. Experts predicted a limitation of strike capabilities for the US navy and NATO warships.
The 19FortyFive publication notes that hypersonic missiles can fly five times faster than the speed of sound, that is, at a speed of about 3,000 miles per hour, which makes it difficult, if not impossible, to intercept them. And the Zircon rocket has surpassed these indicators and is capable of reaching a speed of Mach 9 or almost 7000 miles per hour.
"This means that the cruise missile will be impossible to stop," the newspaper writes.
In addition, the Zircon has a range of about 620 miles or 1,000 kilometers, which, if used from a ship or submarine, allows it to be used against targets located in the United States or NATO countries.
"The Zircon coastal batteries, together with the S-300 and S-400 surface-to-air missiles deployed in places such as Crimea or the Baltic States, can create a "powerful umbrella" that will prevent the penetration of US and NATO warships and aircraft and provide reliable cover for Russian troops," notes 19FortyFive.
The hypersonic cruise missile "Zircon" can become a serious obstacle for the US Navy and NATO countries, the publication concludes.
Recall that in November, the frigate Admiral Gorshkov launched a hypersonic missile "Zircon" in the White Sea and hit a surface target at a distance of 250 nautical miles. In 2022, a new cruise missile will enter service with the Russian Navy.
Nikolay Grishchenko
