WATCH Russia test-fire hypersonic missile in Arctic

The Zircon is reportedly capable of reaching velocity nine times the speed of sound

Russia has showcased its advanced nuclear-capable hypersonic cruise missile during the Zapad-2025 military drills with Belarus. The Zircon has a range of up to 1,000km (620 miles) and is reportedly capable of reaching velocity of Mach 9, nine times the speed of sound.

The five-day maneuvers, which began on Friday, span Russia, Belarus, the Baltic Sea, and the Barents Sea and involve up to 13,000 troops along with multiple vessels and aircraft. The exercises have included counter-sabotage operations, drone warfare, electronic warfare, and assault scenarios designed to improve coordination in case of an attack on either country.

As part of the drills, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced on Sunday it had successfully test-fired a 3M22 Zircon hypersonic missile at a target in the Barents Sea. The launch was carried out from the Northern Fleet’s Admiral Golovko frigate, previously described by the ministry as a “ship-destroyer” thanks to its vertical launch system compatible with the Zircon. Footage released by the ministry showed the missile shooting skyward before veering off into the horizon.

“According to objective monitoring data received in real time, the target was destroyed by a direct hit,” the ministry said, noting the area was closed in advance to civilian shipping and aviation.

The Zircon is considered one of the most formidable hypersonic missiles due to its speed and maneuverability, factors that make it difficult to intercept with Western defenses such as the Patriot system.

The drills also featured Russia’s Oreshnik intermediate-range hypersonic missile, which was unveiled last year during a “test strike” on a Ukrainian military plant and said to rival the destructive power of a low-yield nuclear strike.

READ MORE: NATO kicks off military drill in response to ‘Russian violations’

Moscow and Minsk have stressed the maneuvers are exclusively defensive in nature. Still, ahead of the drills, NATO launched its own exercises, dubbed Eastern Sentry, with the stated aim of deterring Russia. The move followed accusations by Poland that Moscow had violated its airspace with drones – claims the Kremlin dismissed as baseless while accusing NATO of fearmongering.