Russia Commissions Admiral Gorshkov Frigate Equipped with Tsirkon Hypersonic Missiles

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the commissioning of the Navy’s Admiral Gorshkov frigate, the first to be fitted with Tsirkon (Zircon) hypersonic missiles.

“I would like to emphasize that we will continue to develop the combat potential of the Armed Forces, produce promising models of weapons and equipment that will guard Russia's security in the coming decades,” Putin was quoted as saying by Russian state media.

He thanked defense industry specialists tasked with mass-producing these missiles.

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said the Admiral Gorshkov was going on a long voyage across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea.

"The main efforts during the campaign will be focused on countering the threats of Russia, maintaining regional peace and stability jointly with friendly countries. During the exercises, training, the actions of the crew on the use of hypersonic weapons and long-range cruise missiles in various conditions will be practiced," Shoigu said.

He said the Tsirkon “overcome air and missile defense systems, reaching speeds of more than Mach 9 with a flight range of more than 1,000km.”