Ukraine claims Russia attacked Kyiv with 5 Zircon hypersonic missiles this year

Europe, News April 4, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

Russia has used five of its recently developed Zircon hypersonic missiles in attacks on Kyiv since the beginning of the year, Ukraine’s military claimed on April 1, 2024.

The Ukrainian administration said that these attacks are part of over 180 missile and drone assaults conducted by Russia against the Ukrainian capital during the first three months of this year.

According to the Ukrainian military’s first quarterly report released by the Kyiv administration, during the latest attack conducted by Russia on Kyiv, the Ukrainian Air Force successfully downed two out of three Shahid drones. The General Staff’s report did not contain further information regarding the attack. It remains uncertain whether the drone reached its intended destination.

The report highlighted that since the beginning of 2024, the Ukrainian capital has been targeted by six additional missile types along with Zircon hypersonic missiles.

Russia has also reportedly fired more than 113 Kh-101 air-launched cruise missiles toward Kyiv so far. The Russian military also fired 11 Kinzhal missiles, another type of hypersonic weapon traveling at several times the speed of sound.

Moscow did not provide an immediate comment on Ukraine’s claims. Russia frequently declares missile strikes on Ukraine, targeting what it claims are military and energy installations, although some missiles have also struck civilian structures. In the last fortnight, Russia has intensified its long-range bombardment of power and gas facilities.

*^{A Russian MiG-31 fighter jet equipped with a Kinzhal hypersonic missile flies over Red Square on May 7, 2022. (Image Credit: Reuters/Maxim Shemetov)}*

During his annual state-of-the-nation address on February 29, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged Russia’s utilization of Zircon missiles in combat without specifying the targeted sites. He characterized the Zircon as a component of a new era of unparalleled arms systems.

Zircon hypersonic missile

The 3M22 Tsirkon, also known as Zircon, is Russia’s most advanced hypersonic anti-ship cruise missile. The missile system was announced by Putin in 2018 as part of the five new weapons. Russia views the Zircon as a crucial component of its modernization efforts, enhancing its strategic deterrence and offensive capabilities on the global stage.

Russian President Vladimir Putin described the Zircon hypersonic missile as “part of a new generation of unparalleled weapon systems.” According to Putin, the Zircon missile can “hit both seaborne and ground targets” and would significantly enhance “Russia’s security and its defense capability”.

The sea-launched Zircon missile has a range of 1,000 kilometers and travels at a speed nine times faster than the speed of sound. Military experts have noted that the hypersonic velocity of these missiles could significantly decrease the reaction time for air defenses and enable them to target substantial, deeply fortified objectives.