Putin admits Zircon missile defects, says its precision needs improvement
Russian President Vladimir Putin (photo: Getty Images)
Russian hypersonic Zircon missile has precision issues. Moscow will continue improving the missile, according to statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin, cited by media outlet Izvestia.
Putin states Russia is constantly developing new means of attack and defense in the field of advanced weapons. However, one of the missiles the Kremlin has repeatedly touted publicly has still not reached perfect performance levels.
"The emergence of new means of attack and defense continues. The Zircon alone is worth something! There is still work to be done on it, particularly regarding precision. Recent uses have shown that it is becoming more precise. Few countries in the world possess such weapons, and we not only have them but are also improving them and will continue to do so," the Russian president said.
In addition to issues with the Zircon missile, Putin separately highlighted the role of Russia's navy.
He recalled that the navy is one of the key elements of the country's so-called nuclear triad and, according to him, plays an important role in strategic deterrence.
Putin also praised Russian submarines equipped with intercontinental ballistic missiles. He claimed they serve as tools to deter any adversary and inflict unacceptable damage on it in the event of aggression.
Notable that the Zircon hypersonic anti-ship missile is one of Russia's most heavily promoted examples of new military technology.
According to official Russian claims, the missile can reach speeds of around Mach 9 and has a range of up to 1,000 km. Putin has repeatedly promoted it as a unique weapon with no effective defenses against it.
