5 things you need to know about Russia’s new hypersonic missile that just hit a record 2,000-mile range
- A game-changing speed: This newly tested missile, named the Tsirkon (Zircon), can travel at Mach 9, making it nearly impossible for current Western defense systems to intercept due to its extreme speed and unpredictable flight path.
- It just shattered range records: In its latest test, the sea-launched missile successfully struck a target 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) away, obliterating previous range expectations for hypersonic weapons and putting more of Europe in the crosshairs.
- It flies like a 'space rock': Unlike ballistic missiles that arch into space, this weapon uses a scramjet engine to skim the upper atmosphere at low altitude, making it a terminal-phase nightmare for radar on naval ships.
- The warhead pack a punch: Despite its small footprint, the Tsirkon can carry a massive 400-kilogram conventional warhead, capable of sinking destroyers or leveling critical command centers, with a rumored nuclear option in development.
- It’s already deployed: Russian President Putin announced the missile has entered mass production and is now active with the Navy, with tests planned from submarines, meaning this threat is here and operational right now.