A recent military exercise by the Russian Armed Forces in the Mediterranean has given the world its best look yet at the Zircon hypersonic missile—a weapon shrouded in mystery and speculation. Until now, this missile had only been seen in brief glimpses or as fragments after alleged combat tests in Ukraine. But this time, Russia provided clearer footage, raising new questions about the Zircon’s capabilities and its role in modern warfare.
The drills also highlight the growing challenges Russia faces in Syria, where rebels are advancing rapidly. This could threaten Bashar al-Assad, a key ally of the Kremlin, and disrupt Russia’s access to its two major Mediterranean bases.
What Did the Drill Show?
The Russian Ministry of Defense released a video showing the Zircon missile being launched from the frigate Admiral Gorshkov. In the footage, the missile emerges vertically from the ship’s 3S14 vertical launch system (VLS). It stabilizes mid-air using vectoring rockets and then shoots upward on a vertical trajectory before disappearing into the sky.
This marks one of the clearest looks yet at the Zircon in action. Previous videos, including one from 2020, were either too grainy or left experts debating whether they even showed the Zircon at all.
In addition to the Zircon launch, the drill also involved other advanced weapons. Another Russian frigate, Admiral Golovko, fired a Zircon missile, while the submarine Novorossiysk launched a Kalibr cruise missile. On the Syrian coast, a Bastion coastal defense system fired an Oniks supersonic missile. There was even footage of a Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missile being prepared under a MiG-31I fighter jet.
What Makes the Zircon So Special?
The Zircon stands out because it is a hypersonic missile, meaning it travels at speeds above Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound). Russia claims the Zircon can reach Mach 9, making it nearly unstoppable for current defense systems. It also boasts a range of 620 miles, allowing it to strike targets quickly and from a safe distance.
In contrast, the older Oniks missile—which looks similar to the Zircon—has a top speed of Mach 2.2 and a shorter range of 180 miles. The Zircon’s speed and potential dual-use capability (it can target both land and sea) make it a significant step forward in missile technology.
Why Is the Zircon Important Now?
This drill comes at a time when Russia’s position in Syria is under pressure. With rebels advancing and threatening Assad’s regime, Russia may be looking to flex its military might and send a message to its rivals.
Additionally, the Zircon has reportedly been used in combat in Ukraine. Earlier this year, Ukrainian scientists claimed they had recovered fragments of a Zircon missile after it was used in an attack. The wreckage revealed markings and design features that experts say match the missile shown in the latest Russian footage.
NATO and Western Concerns
Unsurprisingly, NATO and U.S. intelligence agencies were likely monitoring these drills closely. The Zircon’s capabilities are of great interest because hypersonic weapons are difficult to detect and intercept. The drills also raised speculation about whether Russia was evacuating ships from its naval base in Tartus, Syria—a move that now seems to have been a false alarm.
The Big Questions
Despite the new footage, many questions remain about the Zircon. For example, how exactly does it achieve such high speeds? The missile seems to use a ramjet engine, which compresses air at high speeds to create thrust. However, the details of its design remain unclear.
Comparisons have been made to older designs like the Oniks missile, which might share some technology with the Zircon. But the Zircon’s ability to fit into the same launch systems as the Oniks adds versatility, allowing it to be deployed from ships, submarines, or even ground-based systems.
A Weapon of the Future?
The Zircon represents a leap forward in missile technology, but it also raises concerns about how hypersonic weapons could change the nature of warfare. Their speed and unpredictability make them a challenge for any defense system, and their use in real conflicts—such as Ukraine—suggests they are no longer just experimental weapons.
As Russia continues to showcase the Zircon, the world will be watching closely to see how this enigmatic missile shapes the future of global military strategy. For now, it remains a symbol of technological ambition—and a source of geopolitical tension.
