Russia reports successful test launch of hypersonic missile

The Russian military reports another successful test launch of a new Zircon hypersonic cruise missile.

Russia’s Defense Ministry says the missile was launched from an Admiral Gorshkov-class frigate located in the White Sea, in the north of Russia.

The ministry says the missile successfully hit a target more than 350 kilometers (217 miles) away on the coast of the Barents Sea.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the Zircon missile would be capable of flying at nine times the speed of sound and have a range of 1,000 kilometers (620 miles).

An earlier test launch took place in October, on Putin’s birthday. Russia’s leader hailed it as a “big event” for the country.

“Equipping our armed forces — the army and the navy — with the latest, truly unparalleled weapon systems will certainly ensure the defense capability of our country in the long term,” Putin said at the time.