Russia’s Military-Industrial Corporation Research and Industrial Association of Machine Building has begun serial production of Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missiles for the country’s navy, TASS reported, citing sources.
The development comes on the heels of President Vladimir Putin’s announcement earlier this month that missile trials are nearing completion and delivery to the navy would begin next year.
Russia conducted the Tsirkon’s first underwater test in October, firing the missile from the nuclear submarine missile cruiser Severodvinsk from a depth of 40 meters (131 feet). More test launches are scheduled through December against sea and coastal targets. The missile earlier completed a series of flight tests from the frigate Admiral Gorshkov.
Deployment by 2025
With a reported speed of up to Mach 9, the missile is planned for deployment on the Project 885M (Yasen-M) modified nuclear-powered submarine Perm in 2025. It will undergo a series of tests on the craft beforehand.
A total of six Project 885M submarines, including the Perm, are currently under construction at the Sevmash Shipyard. The Project 885M lead submarine Kazan is currently in service, while the first serial-built 885M sub Novosibirsk is scheduled to enter service this year.
