New Russian Sea-Based Hypersonic Missile in 2022

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that a new sea-based hypersonic missile will enter combat duty in Russia as of next year.

"We have carried out a test, and a successful one. As of next year, we will have another sea-based missile, a hypersonic one. Mach 9. The time of approach to those who issue orders will be five minutes," Putin said at the plenary meeting of the VTB Capital’s investment forum Russia Calling! on Tuesday.

On November 18, Russia’s Defense Ministry said it had successfully test-launched a Tsirkon hypersonic missile from the Northern Fleet’s frigate The Admiral Gorshkov to hit a surface target in the White Sea.

Earlier, a source told TASS that Tsirkon missiles would begin to undergo government certification tests in November. More launches would follow in December. A total of five missiles will be fired at naval and coastal targets. Two launches of Tsirkon missiles from the nuclear-powered submarine The Severodvinsk on October 4 paved the way for testing the missiles from a surface ship.

The Defense Ministry concluded a contract for purchasing the Tsirkon missiles at the Army-2021 weapons show on August 24.