Russian Nuclear Submarine “Perm” Launched: Equipped with hypersonic Zircon missiles as standard, marking a significant advancement for the Russian navy.
Putin’s “Milestone” Assessment: The launch of the Perm is considered a crucial event for strengthening Russia’s naval capabilities.
Hypersonic Missile Definition: These weapons travel at Mach 5 or higher (≥ 6,174 km/h), characterized by speed, maneuverability, and rapid strike potential.
Maneuverability Advantage: Trajectory can be altered mid-flight, evading missile shields and early warning systems more effectively than ballistic missiles.
Detection Challenges: Ground-based radars have difficulty detecting them early, complicating interception efforts.
Strategic Applications: Hypersonic weapons offer responsive, long-range strike options against defended or time-critical targets.
Kinetic Energy Destruction: Conventional versions utilize kinetic energy to destroy targets, including hardened facilities.
Two Main Types: Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs) and Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs) employ different propulsion methods. HGVs glide after rocket launch; HCMs use scramjets.
Zircon Missile Capabilities: Russia claims it reaches Mach 8, has a range of 625 miles, and can carry a 660-pound warhead, making it exceptionally difficult to defend against.
