The event, which was set to take place sometime this month as we reported recently, marked the first time the Tsirkon missile is launched from a submarine. According to the video released by the Russian MoD, the submarine launched the missile from a surfaced position.
The test took place in the Barents Sea. According to the MoD the flight of the hypersonic missile corresponded to the specified parameters, it hit the conditional target.
The submarine-based Tsirkon missile test launch has been considered a success.
Russian MoD
About Tsirkon Hypersonic Anti-ship Missile
Open sources said the hypersonic 3M-22 missile was designed by NPO-machinostroeniya in Reutov in Moscow region. It is a part of 3K-22 (Tsirkon code) complex which NATO reports as SS-N-33.The missile can develop a speed of Mach 9 and fly at an altitude of 30-40 km where the range and speed increase as air resistance is smaller. Experts estimate the payload at 300-400 kg and the missile length at 8-10 meters. Tsirkon is to be fired from universal vertical launchers 3S-14 on warships and submarines and from Bastion mobile coastal missile launchers.
The first-in-class frigate Admiral Gorshkov test fired the Tsirkon (sometimes spelled Zirkon) hypersonic missile four times last year: In December, in early October and in November 2020. The first Tsirkon test launch from a warship was scheduled in late 2019, but took place in January 2020.
