In a show of military might as the conflict in Ukraine drags on, Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a frigate equipped with hypersonic cruise missiles toward the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
On Wednesday, Putin participated in a videoconference ceremony to commemorate the Admiral Gorshkov warship’s launch.
The frigate’s commander, Igor Krokhmal, and Russia’s defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, were also involved.
Before directing the ship to enter combat service, Putin stated, “The ship is equipped with the latest hypersonic missile system – Zircon – which has no analogs.” He added, “I would like to wish the crew… success in their service for the good of the Motherland.”
According to Shoigu, the frigate would travel to the Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, and Atlantic Ocean.
He went on to say that it could make “pinpoint and powerful strikes against the enemy at sea and on land.” He said that the hypersonic missiles on board could defeat any missile defense system and had a range of more than 620 miles (1,000 km).
Read: The Critical Role of Organizations in the Russia-Ukraine War
Hypersonic weapons race
Weapons that travel at hypersonic speeds can travel more than five times faster than sound.
This past year, Russia tested the Zircon’s launch from warships and submarines as the United States and China compete with one another to develop hypersonic weapons.
Shoigu stated, “The main focus of the mission will be to counter threats to Russia and support regional peace and stability with friendly countries.”
The crew will be taught how to use long-range cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons during exercises.
Despite Moscow losing a lot of men and equipment in its nearly year-long invasion of Ukraine, which has hurt relations between Russia and the West, the high-profile tests have taken place.
Analysts have stated that, despite their name, the main characteristic of hypersonic weapons is not their speed, which can sometimes be equal to or greater than that of traditional ballistic missile warheads, but rather their maneuverability.
Due to their potential to evade missile shields and early warning systems, the weapons are seen as a means of gaining an advantage over any adversary.
SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES