Russia Tests Hypersonic Missile at NATO’s Doorstep—and Shares the Video
1 min read
Summary
Russia has released images of its test launch of the 3M22 Zircon hypersonic missile from a frigate close to Norway in the Arctic Ocean, near NATO borders.
The test was part of Russia’s Zapad 2025 joint military exercises with Belarus, which are aimed at assessing the countries’ defensive capabilities, and come after Russia’s recent alleged drone violations of Polish and Romanian airspace.
Russia has also been conducting exercises with Sukoi Su-34 supersonic fighter-bombers, which can carry a heavy payload and travel long distances.
There are concerns that Russia is planning to use these new weapons against civilian targets in Ukraine, as they are almost impossible to intercept due to their speed and manoeuvrability.
This week, NATO reacted to the drone violations by launching Operation Eastern Sentinel to strengthen its eastern flank defences against missile and drone threats.
