The use of the Zircon missile by the Russians is confirmed. In that case, further attacks using it will be a severe challenge to Ukrainian air defence due to its speed and manoeuvrability.
Zircon missiles can become a severe challenge for Ukrainian air defence
The summary notes that according to the analysis conducted by the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise, Russia first used the hypersonic Zircon missile during the attack on Ukraine on February 7.
The video of the wreckage shows fragments of the engine and steering mechanisms with a specific marking, which, according to the report, is characteristic of the 3M22 Zircon missile.
It is reported that "Zircon" is capable of developing a speed of 9 mach and an effective firing range of up to 1000 km. It was originally designed for use in the Russian Navy.
According to British intelligence, no ships in the Black Sea are capable of carrying missiles, raising questions about the launch method.
It is likely the Russian K-300 land-based coastal defense system has been adapted for this purpose. If its use is confirmed,thos would present a significant challenge for Ukrainian air defence due to its speed and manoeuvrability, the message says.
The British Ministry of Defense believes Moscow is "testing a new active weapon system in real conflict to ensure confidence and demonstrate capabilities."
What is known about the Russian Federation's use of Zircon missiles
The experts of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Examinations (KNDISE) stated that Russia used Zircon for the first time against Ukraine on February 7.
At the same time, according to The New York Times, the United States has not yet confirmed that Russia could have used the Zircon missile during the attack on Kyiv on February 7.
Yuriy Ignat, a representative of the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, said that the Air Force cannot claim that Russia could have used other types of missiles during the attack. According to him, experts must first verify the wreckage.
