Russia is making significant strides by integrating state-of-the-art hypersonic Zircon missiles into its latest nuclear submarines, as revealed by the CEO of Russia’s largest shipbuilding firm in an interview with the RIA state news agency published on Monday.
Alexei Rakhmanov, the Chief Executive Officer of the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), shared that the forthcoming Yasen-M project’s multi-purpose nuclear submarines will become regular hosts for the advanced Zircon missile system.
The Yasen-class submarines, also referred to as Project 885M, represent the next generation of nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines, aimed at replacing the aging Soviet-era nuclear attack submarines. This strategic initiative is part of Russia’s overarching plan to modernize its armed forces and naval fleet.
Distinguished by their sea-based capabilities, the Zircon hypersonic missiles possess an impressive 900 km (560 miles) operational range and achieve velocities several times the speed of sound, rendering them formidable and challenging to counteract.
Earlier this year, President Vladimir Putin affirmed Russia’s commitment to enhancing its nuclear capabilities by announcing the commencement of large-scale distribution of the Zircon missiles, underscoring the nation’s dedication to bolstering its nuclear defense capabilities.
Already making waves on the global stage, the Russian multi-purpose frigate Admiral Gorshkov successfully showcased its strike potential in the western Atlantic Ocean earlier this year, further solidifying its strength by being outfitted with Zircon missiles.
