Ukrainian Air Force identifies likely motive behind Russia's rare Zircon attacks
Photo: Ukrainian Air Force named the probable cause of isolated enemy launches of Zircon (Russian media)
By using Zircon anti-ship missiles, the Russians are testing them in combat conditions, according to Yurii Ihnat, head of communications for the Ukrainian Air Force Command.
Responding to a question about the meaning of the rare use of Zircon missiles by the Russians, Ihnat notes that Russia is thus trying to test new types of weapons in combat conditions.
"Russia, or Putin himself, is demonstrating weapons that are constantly unparalleled: there are Oreshnik, Burevestnik, Kindzhal, and, in particular, the Zircon missiles," Ihnat says.
According to him, Russia has already launched this missile several times in 2024 and in 2023.
"The missile itself is anti-ship; perhaps they are testing it in combat conditions, wanting to achieve some kind of result," he adds.
According to the head of the Air Force Command's communications department, it is not worth talking about and detailing Russia's results today, but it is important to remember that Russia's weapons are becoming more long-range.
"Therefore, we urge everyone once again not to ignore the warning signs. Russia is constantly modernizing its weapons, Russia is insidious," Ihnat adds.
Zircon missile
The 3M22 Zircon is a Russian hypersonic cruise missile that the Kremlin positions as a super weapon without analogues. It was developed by the NPO Mashinostroyenia design bureau and was first officially presented in 2019.
Russia does not officially disclose the characteristics of the Zircon missile and does not demonstrate it publicly, but has announced some of its parameters at various times.
According to available data, the missile has a range of 400-600 km to over 1000 km, a speed of up to 8-9 Mach, rises to an altitude of 30-40 km, and carries a warhead weighing about 300-400 kg. Its length is approximately 8-10 meters.
Zircon missiles are launched from 3S-14 vertical launchers, which Russia deploys on ships, submarines, and mobile ground launchers.
Russia has also announced the creation of a ground-based Bastion system for these missiles. In addition, launches can presumably be carried out from stationary complexes such as the modernized Object 100 in occupied Crimea.
This morning, November 14, a powerful explosion was heard in Sumy. Russia could have attacked the Sumy region with a Zircon hypersonic missile.
Russia has already struck Sumy with a Zircon missile on August 21. After analyzing the debris, experts confirmed that it was indeed a Zircon that was used.
