// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Zircon
Zircon is a Russian-developed hypersonic anti-ship cruise missile designed to travel at extremely high speeds, making it very difficult for current defense systems to intercept.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Zircon (3M22 Tsirkon) is a Russian-developed ramjet-powered hypersonic anti-ship cruise missile system, primarily designed for naval platforms, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 9 to defeat advanced air defenses and target major surface combatants and ground targets.
BACKGROUND
The 3M22 Zircon, also spelled Tsirkon, is a Russian scramjet-powered, nuclear-capable hypersonic cruise missile. Produced by NPO Mashinostroyeniya for the Russian Navy, the missile utilizes the 3S-14 launch platforms on frigates and submarines. The missile has a reported top speed of Mach 9. The weapon was first used during Russo-Ukrainian war.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Tsirkon
- 3M22 Tsirkon
- Hypersonic anti-ship missile
- HACM
USAGE NOTE
The Zircon missile is intended for deployment on Russian frigates, cruisers, and submarines, representing a significant component of Russia's modern naval strike capability.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Zircon.
The primary developer of the 3M22 Zircon hypersonic cruise missile for the Russian military.
A major Russian defense contractor and the parent company of NPO Mashinostroyeniya, overseeing the development and production of advanced missile systems including Zircon.
A leading U.S. defense contractor developing advanced hypersonic weapons and defense systems, directly related to addressing and countering threats posed by systems like Zircon.
A major U.S. aerospace and defense company involved in the development of hypersonic technologies, advanced missile systems, and missile defense solutions in response to threats like the Zircon.
A global aerospace and defense technology company developing advanced missile systems, strategic deterrence capabilities, and hypersonic technologies that are relevant to the Zircon threat landscape.
A U.S. agency responsible for developing emerging technologies for military use, including extensive research into hypersonic weapons and countermeasures, often in direct response to developments like Zircon.
A U.S. Department of Defense agency tasked with developing, testing, and fielding a layered missile defense system, including technologies to defend against advanced hypersonic threats such as the Zircon.