Putin’s military fires Mach 9 speed Tsirkon hypersonic missile in Ukraine attack for first time, says UK

EveningStandard: Vladimir Putin’s military fired its Mach 9 speed Tsirkon hypersonic missile for the first time in an attack in Ukraine, British defence chiefs said on Wednesday.

They believe it may have been launched from a land-based coastal defence system and warned its use, if confirmed, could “present a significant challenge to Ukrainian air defences due to its speed and manoeuvrability”.

In its latest intelligence update, the Ministry of Defence in London said: “According to analysis conducted by the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute for Forensic Examinations, Russia utilised its Tsirkon hypersonic missile in an attack on Ukraine for the first time on 7 February.

“A video of the wreckage allegedly shows fragments of the engine and steering mechanisms with specific markings that are, according to the report, ‘characteristic of the 3M22 Zircon missile’.”

The briefing continued: “Reportedly capable of travelling at Mach 9 up to an effective firing range of 1,000km, Tsirkon was initially developed for use by the Russian Navy.

“The absence of vessels known to carry the missiles in the Black Sea raises questions about the method of launch. It is likely the Russian land-based K-300 coastal defence system has been adapted for this purpose.

“If its use is confirmed, this would present a significant challenge to Ukrainian air defences due to its speed and manoeuvrability.”

The reported launch of the hypersonic weapon contrasts with the very heavy use of drones in the conflict.

Ukraine is seeking to produce a million drones this year, including many long range which can strike as far as Moscow.