“Knows no obstacle”: Putin threatens new superweapon

Created: 2022-08-02 05:15

By: Franziska Schwarz

Vladimir Putin wants to have the Russian fleet equipped with new hypersonic missiles soon.

The Kremlin boss considers the weapon type to be "invincible".

St. Petersburg - At nothing less than a warship parade, Vladimir Putin has now announced "Zirkon": a hypersonic missile.

The Kremlin chief said in St. Petersburg on July 31 that it would soon be put into service - and this state-of-the-art weapon knew "no obstacle", according to Putin.

Putin announces "Zircon" hypersonic missile - new naval doctrine in force

The Russian Navy is capable of delivering a devastating counterstrike to anyone who decides to violate our sovereignty and freedom.

At the same time, the military material is "constantly being perfected," said the Russian President, who is currently driving the Ukraine war.

What are hypersonic missiles?

Putin had previously described the branch of arms as "invincible".

Zirkon missiles have a maximum range of about a thousand kilometers.

The weapon was first tested in October 2020, since then several other tests have followed.

In March, Moscow announced that it had deployed Kinzhal-type hypersonic missiles in western Ukraine.

In addition, Putin put a new naval doctrine into effect on “Naval Forces Day” in St. Petersburg. 

What does the Kremlin's new naval doctrine mean?

It is intended to define Russia's sea borders.

The US quest for dominance of the world's oceans is a "challenge to Russia's national security," the document said.

In the event of war, civilian ships should also be able to be integrated into the naval forces.

It is expressly emphasized that Russia can use military force to assert its interests on the high seas once all attempts to resolve the conflict through diplomatic channels have been exhausted.

The nuclear power Russia now wants to be more active in the Arctic region, where other neighboring countries have also made claims.

The document also stipulates that Russia's military infrastructure in Crimea should be expanded.

Last but not least, the construction of modern aircraft carriers is planned - regardless of the Western sanctions against shipyards.

Regarding the Zircon missile, Putin said: "Their delivery to the Russian armed forces will begin in the next few months." According to him, the frigate Admiral Gorchkov will be the first Russian ship to be equipped with the new weapon.

The area of ​​operation of the ship then depends on the "security interests of Russia", according to Putin.

Vladimir Putin at the Naval Parade in St. Petersburg © Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin Pool/Imago

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The Russian government celebrated the "Naval Forces Day" in St. Petersburg with 40 warships, including submarines.

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