Russian President Vladimir Poutine announced Friday, December 24 a successful test firing of a salvo of hypersonic Zircon missiles, a type of weapon considered "
invisible
" by Moscow and at the heart of an arms race between military powers.
"
That night, in the early hours of the morning, a salvo from the Zircon hypersonic system was fired
," said the Russian leader during a government meeting broadcast on television, adding that the operation had taken place "
with success
”.
"
This is a great event for the country and a significant step to strengthen Russia's security and its defense capabilities
," he continued, without further details on the shooting.
Read also Defense: how hypersonic missiles are changing the strategic game
According to several Russian media, this is the first time that Moscow has announced the launch of a
Zircon
"
salvo
".
The Russian Defense Ministry has so far not given any additional information.
The first official firing of a Zircon dates from October 2020. Other tests have since taken place in the Russian Arctic, notably from the frigate Admiral Gorchkov and from a submerged submarine.
The last test firing of this missile was on December 16.
Firing of a hypersonic Zircon missile in the Barent Sea on November 29, 2021. HANDOUT / AFP
Tensions with Western countries
In the context of the tensions with the Western countries, in particular with Washington, Russia has multiplied the announcements of the development of new weapons presented by Vladimir Poutine as "
invincible
", like the Zircon.
With a maximum range of around 1,000 kilometers, it is intended to equip surface ships and submarines of the Russian fleet.
The first new generation Avangard hypersonic missiles, capable of reaching a speed of Mach 27 and changing course and altitude, were put into service with the Russian army in December 2019.
Read alsoRussia announces new successful firing of a hypersonic missile
Russia is also seeking to develop its weapons for use in space.
In mid-November, she pulverized an old Soviet satellite in orbit, angering Westerners who accused her of endangering the International Space Station (ISS) by causing a cloud of debris.
