The 3M22 Zircon is a Russian anti-ship and boat-to-land cruise missile. It has a new feature; it is the fastest missile in the world, which is an edge over the American submarine-launched Tomahawk missile. Yes, the Zircon (Tsirkon) is hypersonic, as it can fly several times faster than the speed of sound.
The 3M22 has already been tested in military exercises in the Black Sea. So, it is combat-ready, with the Russian military expecting an American attack. The declaration of the USA's Vice President, Kamala Harris, that "Russia is too large as a country and should be broken up into west-oriented Republics" has put the Russian Armed Forces on high alert.
The Zircon is the latest lethal weapon developed by the Russian military complex Mashinostroyeniya as its first prototype was produced around 2012. Although it is a submarine and surface ship-based missile, it can also be launched from a bomber aircraft, such as the Tu-22M. It is believed that about 150 Zircons have already been delivered to the Russian Navy, as each one of them can be equipped with a nuclear warhead.
Technical characteristics
Engine: Scramjet, with liquid propellant
Operational range: 1,5000 km
Speed: Mach 10
Warhead: High Explosive / Nuclear
Payload: 300 - 400 kg
Length: 12 m
Russian naval exercises with the 3M22 Zircon missile
