More war looms as Russia launches hypersonic missile into the Atlantic Ocean

 BY: News Peddlers

The Russian Navy announced on Wednesday that it had successfully tested its new hypersonic Zirkon missile using computer simulation during a manoeuvre in the Atlantic Ocean.

The exercise was carried out by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov in the western Atlantic Ocean, according to the Ministry of Defence's Telegram channel.

Commander Igor Kromal reported success in the simulation in a video released by the ministry.

The missile was not launched at the presumed target 900 kilometres away.

The missile hatch only opened after the firing command, according to the video.

On the screens, the missile trajectory was simulated.

The test was justified by the fact that it was a practise run for the actual launch procedures.

The Zirkon is a long-range, high-speed sea target missile.

It is said to be capable of reaching speeds of over 9,000km/h, making it virtually unreachable by air defences.

The Zirkon could also carry a nuclear warhead.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had threatened the West with the other three before his re-election in 2018.

The Avangard cruise missile, the ground-launched Sarmat missile, and the Kinzhal were said to have been launched from aircraft.

The Zirkon was only officially put into service in early January.

Following Admiral Gorshkov, additional Russian frigates were to be outfitted with the cruise missile.

The announcement on Wednesday came as the West prepared to supply Ukraine with more advanced military hardware, such as German-built Leopard two battle tanks, to help it fight Russia's invasion.

dpa/NAN