Russian Submarines with Zircon Hypersonic Missiles Pose Serious NATO Threat
Military Watch reports Russian Navy’s Yasen-class submarines armed with Zircon hypersonic missiles, capable of Mach 9 speed and 1,000 km range, threaten NATO fleets.
Russian Navy submarines armed with hypersonic missiles pose a growing danger to North Atlantic Treaty Organization vessels, according to an assessment published by the U.S. outlet Military Watch Magazine (MWM).
The article noted that the challenge from Russia’s strike submarine fleet has intensified both due to the expanding number of Yasen-class submarines and the deployment of new Zircon anti-ship cruise missiles.
Analysts underlined the distinct capabilities of these weapons. The Zircon has a range of roughly 1,000 kilometers and can reach speeds of up to Mach 9, making it extremely difficult for modern missile defense systems to intercept.
The publication concluded that the combination of the Yasen-class submarines’ stealth and the missile’s extended range will place considerable pressure on NATO naval forces.
The Zircon is recognized as the world’s first sea-based hypersonic cruise missile. It is currently being deployed on both surface ships and submarines, including Project 22350 frigates, Project 885M Yasen-M nuclear submarines, the modernized heavy cruiser Admiral Nakhimov, and Antey-class (949A) submarines. Plans also call for equipping all newly built frigates and corvettes with this system.