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Zircon Missiles

24th June, 2023

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Context: All new Russian navy frigate and corvette class vessels will be equipped with hypersonic Zircon missiles.

Zircon missiles

  • Zircon missiles were brought into service early this year by the Russian Navy.
  • The projectiles are said to be much faster than any previously developed Russian anti-ship missiles and those used by NATO nations.
  • Zircon missiles would be able to hit targets at a range of 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) while flying nine times faster than the speed of sound.
  • The Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles used by the US Navy are both subsonic.
  • The Zircon can be used against any surface vessel, ranging from frigates to aircraft carriers, as well as any land targets.

Other Missiles in use by the Russian Navy

  • Kalibr and Onyx cruise missiles are actively used by the Navy.
  • A P-800 Onyx missile can travel at speeds of up to 2,700 kph (1,700 mph) and hit warships of any class.
  • It can engage its targets at a range of up to 300 kilometres (186 miles) depending on the projectile’s trajectory.
  • Apart from Zircon missiles, the Russian navy is expected to receive new Borei and Borei-A nuclear-capable submarines, which will be equipped with 16 intercontinental ballistic missiles.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Consider the following statements about “Zircon missiles”:

  1. It can travel nine times faster than the speed of sound.
  2. All new US navy frigate and corvette class vessels will be equipped with this missiles.
  3. The Zircon missiles can be used against any surface vessel.

Which of the above  statements are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. None of the above.

Ans: C

https://www.rt.com/russia/578487-new-frigates-corvettes-hypersonic-missiles/