Russian Frigate with Hypersonic Missiles Holds Drills in English Channel

Photo : Reuters

A Russian Navy frigate, the Admiral Golovko, equipped with the advanced Zircon (Tsirkon) hypersonic anti-ship missiles, recently conducted drills in the English Channel as part of its first long-distance voyage since joining the Russian fleet in December 2023. According to Russian news agencies, the ship, which set sail from its base in Russia's northern region on November 2, is now carrying out operations in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Admiral Golovko's crew conducted a series of counter-terrorism drills, simulating the repulsion of air and sea drone attacks from a mock enemy. These drills are part of the ship's mission as it passes through key maritime areas. The Northern Fleet's press service reported that the frigate successfully completed its passage through the English Channel and is currently focused on carrying out its assigned tasks in the Atlantic Ocean.

This marks a significant milestone for the Admiral Golovko, which is the latest addition to Russia’s naval fleet. The ship is equipped with the state-of-the-art Zircon hypersonic missiles, designed to strike targets at long ranges with high precision. The Zircon missile system is capable of traveling at speeds many times the speed of sound and has a range of approximately 900 kilometers (560 miles), making it difficult for adversaries to defend against.

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The missile system is part of Russia's broader strategy to enhance its military capabilities, particularly in its nuclear deterrence forces. In 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized the mass production and deployment of Zircon missiles as part of the nation's push to maintain an advanced and effective defense system. The Zircon, alongside the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle, represents the backbone of Russia’s hypersonic weaponry.

Hypersonic missiles like the Zircon are seen by Moscow as a way to overcome Western missile defense systems, which Russia views as a potential threat to its nuclear deterrence capabilities. Putin has previously warned that these weapons are necessary to ensure Russia's strategic security, especially in the face of increasingly sophisticated U.S. missile defense systems that could one day intercept Russian nuclear missiles.

The Admiral Golovko’s mission is seen as a demonstration of Russia’s growing maritime and defense capabilities, particularly in areas close to NATO’s maritime zones. The successful execution of these drills highlights the ongoing expansion of Russia's naval presence in key global waters, and the deployment of Zircon missiles underscores the technological advancements being integrated into the Russian military arsenal.