Tsirkon-Equipped Frigate to Join Russian Navy Soon: Putin

Russian Navy’s frigate armed with Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile is expected to soon enter service, President Vladimir Putin has confirmed.

"Suffice it to mention the latest Zircon (Tsirkon) hypersonic missile systems, which have no analogues in the world, for which there are no barriers. Dear comrades, their delivery to the Russian Armed Forces will begin in the coming months," Putin said, speaking at the naval parade in St. Petersburg.

A source told Russian state media recently that state trials of surface version of Tsirkon are complete, and said the Navy will commission it within the next five months.

The Navy’s Admiral Gorshkov frigate will be the first to carry these hypersonic missiles.

"The service area of ​​the ship, equipped with Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles, will be chosen based on the interests of ensuring Russia's security," Putin said. 

On May 28, a Tsirkon was test-fired at its maximum range from the Admiral Gorshkov frigate. It was launched from the Barents Sea at a naval target in the White Sea about 1,000 km away.

Tsirkon can reportedly reach speeds of up to Mach 9 (6,600 mph) and hit targets at a range of up to 660 miles.