First Close Look At Russia’s Hypersonic Zircon Missile

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 s...