The crew of the Russian frigate took part in anti-terrorist exercises in the English Channel.
A Russian frigate equipped with a new generation of Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles has carried out maneuvers in the English Channel and is carrying out tasks in the Atlantic Ocean, official Russian news agencies reported on Tuesday, November 12.
Anti-terrorist exercises
The frigate's crew took part in anti-terrorist exercises, repelling simulated air and marine drone attacks, they said.
The Military Zone site recalls that the Zirkon is a hypersonic missile which would be able to travel 500 to 1,000 km at a speed of Mach 9 [neuf fois la vitesse du son, ndlr]after having an altitude between 30 and 40 km.
Hypersonic strategy
The hypersonic strategy was launched on the orders of Vladimir Putin. From 2023, Russia began arming its fleet with Zircon missiles, underlines BFMTV. With the Avangard hypersonic glider which entered service in 2019, it constitutes the centerpiece of the Russian hypersonic arsenal and develops its deterrent force.
Citing a statement from the press service of the Northern Fleet, the RIA agency said that the frigate Admiral Golovko has “completed its crossing of the English Channel and is currently continuing its route to carry out missions in designated areas of the Atlantic Ocean “.
First long distance trip
This is the first long-distance voyage carried out by the frigate since it joined the Russian Navy in December 2020, the TASS agency reported.
