Successfully Fired From The Admiral Gorshkov Frigate, Tsirkonik Hypersonic Missile Enters Russian Military Surface Ship Service This Year

Test firing of the Tsirkon hypersonic missile from the Admiral Gorshkov frigate. (Source: Russian Ministry of Defense Press Office via TASS)

JAKARTA - If there are no obstacles and changes, the latest Tsirkon hypersonic missile for surface ships will enter service for Russian military surface ships before the end of this year, according to a Russian Defense Ministry source.

"State trials have been completed, the surface version of the Tsirkon is expected to be commissioned within the next five months," the source told TASS as quoted July 18.

According to the source, NPO Mashinostroyeniya continues to produce the missile, while simultaneously working on increasing its range. However, TASS has not been able to obtain official confirmation of this information.

Earlier, the media reported that, on May 28, a Tsirkon missile was tested at its maximum range from the frigate Admiral Gorshkov. The Ministry of Defense reported that the missile was launched from the Barents Sea at a naval target in the White Sea about 1,000 km away.

Earlier this year, the Russian military fired the Tsirkon, Kinzhal to Kalibr strategic missile drills led by President Vladimir Putin, before the invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

All the ballistic and cruise missiles launched during the exercise of Russia's strategic deterrence forces, which were held under the direction of the Supreme Commander of the Russian Armed Forces, Russian President Vladimir Putin, successfully hit the designated targets, according to the Kremlin press office.

"Under the direction of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Vladimir Putin, the launch of ballistic and cruise missiles was carried out during scheduled exercises of the strategic deterrence force," the statement said.

Russia's scheduled strategic defense force exercise brings together the strengths and capabilities of the Aerospace Forces, Southern Military District, Strategic Missile Forces and Northern and Black Sea Fleet.