Zircon

The 3M22 Zircon is an ultra-secret hypersonic cruise missile developed for the upgraded Kirov nuclear-powered missile cruisers operated by the Russian Navy. Its development started back in 2011. The Zircon is an anti-ship missile capable of a cruise speed of Mach 5 or 6 launched from the 3S-14 vertical launching system (VLS). The Zircon missile can be released by airborne platforms and could reach a top speed of Mach 10 with a maximum range of 600 kilometers (the range is estimated between 400 and 1,000 kilometers). The missile underwent initial flight tests as of early 2016 with the aim to enter full flight testing by 2018. The Russian Navy expects to fully deploy the new missile within its fleet by 2023 with an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) expected in 2022. The Zircon missile features a plasma layer due to the hypersonic speed and the friction with the atmosphere that renders the incoming weapon invisible for radar systems. The Zircon missile is only visible for radars illuminating the rear section where the plasma layer is almost non-existent. The plasma layer also implies a boost to thermal signature which makes it easier for detection by infrared sensor systems. All this makes the missile one of the deadliest weapons of the Russian arsenal. Besides, the 300-400 kilogram warhead can be replaced by a 1 megaton nuclear warhead in order to wipe out an aircraft carrier and its combat group as well as larger targets such as cities and military facilities. The maximum operational range of the Zircon missile is estimated at 1,500 kilometers.

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