The tests were carried out during the night and were “successful and error-free,” said Putin in a televised address on Friday. For Russia it is “a big event and an important step in strengthening Russian security and improving its defense capabilities,” he added.
Putin announced the development of the Zircon hypersonic missile in February 2019. Since then, the Russian army has carried out several tests with the missile. Up to now, however, Russia had not reported that several zirconium missiles were being tested at the same time.
Hypersonic missiles can reach more than five times the speed of sound and are maneuverable in flight. They are difficult to spot and intercept for conventional air defense. An international race has broken out between the USA, Russia and China for the development of hypersonic missiles.
Source: Nachrichten
