A Russian warship armed with 'unstoppable' Zircon hypersonic missiles is reportedly heading towards UK waters. The controversial sea trial of the Russian Navy's new Admiral Gorshkov multi-role frigate has been announced by Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu.
Shoigu said today (January 4): ""Today, frigate Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov with Zircon hypersonic missiles on board is embarking on a long-range sea voyage across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea."
He said the trials, which will reportedly take the frigate past UK territorial waters, will be: “focused on countering Russia's threats, maintaining regional peace, and stability together with friendly countries."
The first phase of the ship's trials focused on its speed and maneuverability, and according to the Russian Defence Ministry this new round of testing is focused on bringing the frigate's control systems, artillery, anti-aircraft missile systems, communication and electronic warfare equipment to combat readiness. The patrol is of particular interest because Admiral Gorshkov is equipped with the Zircon hypersonic missile, a weapon described as "unstoppable", and capable of reach speeds above Mach 9, The Daily Star reports.
The missile can carry nuclear or conventional warheads over a 620 mile range, but the 30-foot projectile travelling nine times the speed of sound has the ability to do a huge amount of damage without any warhead.
“The Zircon is the world’s first hypersonic cruise missile capable of long-range aerodynamic flight with manoeuvring in the atmosphere using the thrust of its own engine," the Russian Ministry of Defence said.
Shougu added: "It reaches a maximum speed of nine sound speeds and a maximum firing range of 1,000 kilometres,” and the weapon is “capable of destroying both surface [ships] and ground targets.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin claims the frigate has no equal in the world: "It has no analogues in any country in the world. I am sure that such powerful weapons will reliably protect Russia from potential external threats and will help ensure the national interests of our country.
"We will continue to develop the combat potential of the Armed Forces, make advanced models of weapons and equipment that will guard Russia's security in the coming decades. This is a promising weapon."
The ship's captain, Igor Krokhmal, says his crew are "ready to perform combat service tasks". He added: "The ship has gone through a full cycle of preparations. The ship has been loaded with ammunition for missiles of the Zirkon, Caliber complexes, air defense systems, torpedo weapons and artillery."
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