Hypersonic missiles to be delivered to Russian navy in 2022, Putin says

Russian President Vladimir Putin said deliveries of Zircon hypersonic missiles to the country’s navy will begin in 2022, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

Putin’s televised remarks come a month after Russia’s defense ministry said it successfully tested a hypersonic missile for the first time. 

Putin said the missile hit both ground and sea targets when fired from underwater or surface ships. 

“Now it is especially important to develop and implement the technologies necessary to create new hypersonic weapons systems, high-powered lasers and robotic systems that will be able to effectively counter potential military threats, which means they will further strengthen the security of our country,” he said, according to Reuters. 

The Zircon missile is meant to arm cruisers, frigates and submarines in Russia. Moscow said last month that tests would be completed by the end of the year and commissioned by the navy next year.

Other nations are also racing to develop hypersonic weapons, which fly in the atmosphere at more than five times the speed of sound. 

Late last month, the Pentagon announced that the Navy and Army held three tests meant to aid in hypersonic weapons development.

Reports also emerged last month that China tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile, sparking concerns from U.S. officials. China has denied the claim.

North Korea said in late September that it successfully tested a “detached hypersonic gliding warhead.”