Ukraine has revealed information about the components and capabilities of Russia’s Zircon missile, challenging Moscow’s claims that it can reach hypersonic speeds of up to Mach 9 (1,113 kilometers/6,905 miles per hour).
Russian President Vladimir Putin first revealed the 3M22 Zircon cruise missile’s existence during a February 2019 state of the nation address. The anti-ship missile, which can be launched from submarines and frigates, was reportedly deployed for the first time against Ukraine in early 2024.
While the Kremlin touted the Zircon as an “invincible” weapon that can evade nearly all Western air defense systems, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine’s (DIU) assessments found that the missile’s actual capabilities fell short of Moscow’s claims.
From Hypersonic to Ballistic
The DIU referred to the 3M22 Zircon as a ballistic missile, contrasting with Russia’s description of the weapon as a hypersonic missile.
The agency said the missile’s top recorded speed reaches Mach 6.8 (8,397 kilometers/5,217 miles per hour) and is not maintained throughout its entire flight, below Moscow’s claim that the missile can reach Mach 9.
Zircon also uses a Baget-83 onboard digital computing system, which DIU says is typical of Russian ballistic missiles.
Ukraine struggles to intercept ballistic missiles as its stockpile of US-made Patriot surface-to-air missile systems has been running low, prompting donations from allies and Ukrainian industry to develop low-cost and readily available alternatives.
Unpacking the Zircon Missile
The 3M22 carries a warhead weighing around 120 kilograms (265 pounds), which the DIU considers “extremely small” for what is considered Russia’s most expensive strike missile, comparing it with the Banderol cruise missile’s 150-kilogram (330-pound) warhead.
Zircon’s titanium tail section contains electro-hydraulic steering units and aerodynamic rudders, which are folded during transport and opened once the missile is launched from its container.
The missile is powered by a booster motor and a sustainer motor for flight, both using solid propellant.
It uses an inertial navigation system during the cruise phase before switching to an active radar seeker in the terminal stage.
The DIU identified Russian NPO Mashinostroyeniya as the missile’s main manufacturer, alongside more than 70 foreign companies that supply some of the missile’s parts.
