Russian navy warship carrying hypersonic missiles conducts drills in English Channel, state media says

A Russian navy warship equipped with hypersonic cruise missiles has conducted drills in the English Channel, Russian news agencies have reported.

The ship – the Project 22350 frigate Admiral Golovko – passed through the channel to carry out tasks in the Atlantic Ocean, according to state news agency TASS.

It is reportedly equipped with Zircon hypersonic anti-ship missiles.

While in the Channel it conducted counter-terrorism drills and training on avoiding dangerous targets, Russian state agencies reported, citing the northern fleet’s press service.

On Sunday, the Russian ministry of defence said that the Admiral Golovko had crossed the narrowest part of the Channel – Pas de Calais – having left the fleet’s base in Severomorsk, Russia, on 2 November.

It said the “main task of the mission” was to “demonstrate the flag and ensure the naval presence in important areas of the off-shore maritime zone”.

The frigate was the first Russian navy warship to be equipped with Zircon hypersonic missiles. It is fitted with 3S14 VLS cells, which can launch Kalibr, Oniks, or Zircon anti-ship cruise missiles.

The sea-based Zircon hypersonic missiles have a range of 900 km (560 miles), and can travel at several times the speed of sound, making it difficult to defend against them.

In 2023 President Putin ordered the mass production of Zircon missiles as part of the country’s efforts to boost its nuclear forces.

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Project 22350 ships are the largest warship of the modern Russian fleet currently being built. They are designed for long-range operations.

The British Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment.