How Russia’s New Hypersonic Missile Could Change the Balance of Power

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12 Jul 2023

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Imagine a missile that can fly faster than a bullet, evade any defense system and strike any target with pinpoint accuracy. Sounds like science fiction, right? Well, not anymore. Russia has just tested a new hypersonic missile that could change the game of warfare and geopolitics.

Image Source: Military.com

In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about this weapon, how it works, why it matters and what it means for the world. Read on to find out more.

What it is and how it started

On November 29, 2021, Russia announced that it had successfully tested a new hypersonic missile called Zircon, which can fly at speeds of over Mach 8 (about 10,000 km/h) and strike targets at distances of up to 1,500 km. The missile was launched from a frigate in the White Sea and hit a target in the Barents Sea, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

Hypersonic missiles are weapons that can fly faster than Mach 5 (about 6,200 km/h) and maneuver unpredictably in flight, making them extremely difficult to intercept by existing air defense systems. They can carry conventional or nuclear warheads and can be launched from land, sea or air platforms.

Russia has been developing hypersonic weapons for several years, as part of its efforts to modernize its military and counter the US-led NATO alliance. In 2019, President Vladimir Putin unveiled two other hypersonic weapons: Avangard, a gliding vehicle that can be mounted on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), and Kinzhal, an air-launched missile that can be carried by fighter jets.

How it works and what makes it different

Zircon is a scramjet-powered cruise missile that uses supersonic combustion to accelerate to hypersonic speeds. A scramjet is a type of jet engine that compresses air by using the speed of the vehicle itself, rather than using fans or turbines. This allows the engine to operate efficiently at very high speeds and altitudes.

Zircon is different from other hypersonic weapons in several ways. First, it can be launched from existing naval platforms, such as frigates, corvettes and submarines, without requiring major modifications. This gives Russia an advantage in deploying the weapon quickly and flexibly in various regions.

Second, Zircon can fly at low altitudes, avoiding radar detection and increasing its survivability. It can also change its course and altitude during flight, making it harder to track and intercept.

Third, Zircon can strike both land and sea targets with high precision and devastating effects. It can penetrate any existing or prospective defense system, including the US Aegis system that is deployed on many NATO ships and bases.

Why it matters and what are its implications

Zircon is a game-changer for Russia’s military capabilities and strategic posture. It gives Russia an edge over its rivals in terms of speed, stealth and firepower. It also enhances Russia’s deterrence against potential adversaries, such as the US and NATO, by posing a credible threat to their critical assets and infrastructure.

Zircon also has significant implications for global security and stability. It could trigger a new arms race among major powers, as they seek to develop their own hypersonic weapons or countermeasures. It could also increase the risk of miscalculation or escalation in a crisis or conflict situation, as hypersonic weapons reduce the time available for decision-making and communication.

Zircon could also affect the existing arms control regimes and norms that aim to prevent nuclear proliferation and reduce nuclear risks. For instance, Zircon could undermine the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty that bans land-based missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 km. Although Zircon is sea-based, it could be easily converted to land-based if Russia decides to withdraw from the treaty.

What is its future and what are its prospects

Zircon is not yet operational, but Russia plans to deploy it by 2025 on several naval platforms, including the Admiral Gorshkov-class frigates, the Yasen-class submarines and the Kirov-class cruisers. Russia also intends to develop a land-based version of Zircon that could be mounted on mobile launchers.

Zircon’s future prospects depend largely on how other countries react to its development and testing. The US and NATO have expressed concern about Russia’s hypersonic weapons program and have vowed to enhance their own defenses and capabilities. The US is also developing its own hypersonic weapons, such as the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) and the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB), which are expected to be operational by 2023.

However, some experts have argued that hypersonic weapons are not invincible or unstoppable, and that there are possible ways to counter them. These include improving early warning systems, developing directed energy weapons or electromagnetic railguns, deploying decoys or jamming devices, or engaging in diplomacy and dialogue to reduce tensions and build trust.

What are the challenges it faces and how it addresses them

Zircon faces several technical and operational challenges that could limit its effectiveness or reliability. For example, Zircon has to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures during flight, which could affect its structure and performance. Zircon also has to overcome the challenges of guidance and navigation at hypersonic speeds, which could be affected by atmospheric turbulence, plasma interference or enemy countermeasures.

Zircon addresses these challenges by using advanced materials, such as carbon fiber composites, that can resist high heat and stress. Zircon also uses sophisticated sensors, computers and algorithms that can process data and adjust the flight path in real time. Zircon also relies on Russia’s network of satellites, radars and ground stations that can provide accurate targeting information and situational awareness.

Conclusion

Zircon is a revolutionary weapon that could change the balance of power in the world. It is a testament to Russia’s scientific and technological prowess and its determination to assert its interests and influence. It is also a challenge to the US and NATO’s dominance and security in the region and beyond.

Zircon raises many questions and concerns about the future of warfare, arms control and international relations. It calls for a serious and constructive dialogue among the relevant actors to address the risks and opportunities posed by hypersonic weapons. It also calls for a responsible and prudent use of these weapons, in accordance with international law and norms.

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