The Trumpet:
Russia successfully tested its hypersonic Zircon antiship missile on December 10 for the 12th time, setting a speed record. A few weeks earlier on November 24, China successfully tested its JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile, which can strike anywhere in the United States from within Chinese waters. Both developments represent a major step forward in Russia’s and China’s capability to threaten American military dominance.
Russia’s 3M22 Zircon was one of six hypersonic missiles unveiled by President Vladimir Putin during his annual address to Russians on March 1. It has now undergone five flight tests since 2015 and could be ready for combat deployment by 2022.
The threat posed by the Zircon lies primarily in its speed and potential maneuverability. Its scramjet reaches hypersonic speeds: The missile topped its previous speed record by reaching Mach 8 in the latest test. The missile can also execute unpredictable sharp turns, helping it evade current defense systems.
