Moscow recently reported the successful test of a hypersonic cruise missile, Zircon.
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| [Russian hypersonic missile Zircon] |
Moscow recently reported the successful test of a hypersonic cruise missile aimed at sea and land targets, and they believe the new weapon is unstoppable. The Russians say that this new hypersonic missile can travel at seven times the speed of sound, carry a nuclear payload, have a range of 620 miles, and avoid US missile defense systems.
In this regard, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that it is a part of the country's next generation missile systems, which are far more advanced than any other country's.
The tests occur at a time when Moscow's ties with the West are at an all-time low, dating back to the end of the Cold War. Russia has been more isolated as a result of tensions with Ukraine over Crimea and charges of hacking and cyber espionage.
The Black Sea, where a recent NATO naval drill scared the Kremlin, is one possible flashpoint. Russian officials have stated that they intend to equip all of their new ships with hypersonic weaponry. These weapons (missiles) are too quick for air defenses, have low-flying capabilities, and can change course while flying, making them undetected. Many of these missiles are likely being developed with one target in mind: America's aircraft carriers. Aircraft carriers are the pride of American Navy. These aircraft carriers are referred to be four and a half acres of autonomous American land that can travel anywhere in the sea and are seen as the ultimate emblem of American military power.
Since the Second World War, the United States has not lost a carrier in action. The nuclear-powered aircraft carriers of the Nimitz class have an infinite range. When it comes to defense, the US carriers are equipped with cutting-edge radars and always travel in convoys that include submarine cruisers, dozens of fighters, and signal jammer planes.
It's risky to approach a carrier attack group. However, things may be changing today. Despite the fact that some Western specialists have questioned how advanced Russia's new generation of weaponry is, British authorities have already expressed concerns about the threat Russian hypersonic missiles may pose to aircraft carriers. According to a senior British navy source, hypersonic missiles are almost unstoppable, with no way of defending themselves against missiles like the Zircon. The carrier would have to stay hundreds of miles out at sea, rendering its planes worthless and rendering the entire concept of a carrier task force obsolete.
Western navies must be concerned about more than simply Russia. China has also made significant investments in hypersonic missiles. For Chinese military strategists, American carriers have been a nightmare. In the 1950s, their presence deterred a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, and in 1996, two carrier battle groups embarrassed China by operating freely near Taiwan during heightened tensions. Since then, China has made significant investments in anti-carrier capabilities. Its crown jewel is the DF-21 carrier killer missile, which was unveiled at a military display in 2019. It's an anti-ship ballistic missile with a range of 2,700 kilometers, according to Chinese officials. Its warhead is very precise and agile.
The United States, on the other hand, isn't sitting around doing nothing. The Biden Administration recently proposed spending $3.8 billion on developing America's own hypersonic weapons. Other countries, such as India and Australia, are pursuing hypersonic technology on their own or in collaboration with others. A new arms race is obviously beginning, with countries spending billions of dollars into it.
Russia's and China's hypersonic carrier killer missiles' actual capabilities are still unclear. Recent testing, however, show that the US Navy's flagship may not be unsinkable for much longer.
[This article may resemble TRT World's Double Check]