The Russian military possibly launched a Zircon hypersonic missile in Ukraine from a land-based coastal defense system last week, according to UK defense intelligence.
The absence of a vessel known to carry the missile, initially developed for the Russian Navy, raises questions about its launch, according to the intelligence.
“It is likely the Russian land-based K-300 coastal defense system has been adapted for this purpose,” it added.
“If its use is confirmed, this would present a significant challenge to Ukrainian air defense due to its speed and maneuverability.”
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 14 February 2024.
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Russia Demonstrated Capability
The Zircon’s deployment in an operational environment was to “provide assurance and demonstrate capability,” the intelligence said.
Russia said it successfully tested the missile from a naval vessel in May 2022.
It has a reported range of 1,000 kilometers (625 miles) and a speed of Mach 9.
Zircon Attack
Earlier, the Kyiv Scientific-Research Institute for Forensic Examinations confirmed the missile’s identity following a preliminary analysis of its fragments.
Five people were killed and buildings were damaged in the February 7 missile attack on Kyiv.
“Markings on the parts and fragments, the identification of components and parts, and the features of the relevant type of weapon” point to the first-ever use of the Zircon in combat, CNN quoted the government-run institute as saying.
