The Zircon missile indeed travels at high speeds and possesses considerable kinetic energy, some of which is retained even after interception — aviation expert

On February 25, Russia launched an attack on Kyiv using two Zircon ballistic missiles, previously employed in a strike on the capital on February 7. What exactly is this missile, and how should we respond if it’s deployed?

Aviation expert Kostyantyn Kryvolap discussed this matter on Hromadske Radio.

«In 2019, during the federal assembly, Putin introduced the Zircon missile, boasting its capabilities as a remarkable «unparalleled» weapon. He showcased some cartoon depicting the American X-51 missile. The Zircon is hailed as a hypersonic missile, though there are lingering questions regarding its design and functionality. It seems to be equipped with a potent solid-fuel engine, facilitating its rocket propulsion. It’s believed to be an evolution of the Russian anti-ship system Granit, specifically the P-700 missile. Subsequently, it underwent development, resulting in the P-800 missile, known as Oniks, and its subsequent iteration, Oniks-M. Zircon appears to be another iteration of Granit. Putin declared certain characteristics of this missile, which all Russian propagandists now echo. They claim Zircon travels at nearly Mach 9 (approximately 11,000 km/h), possesses a 300-kilogram warhead, and boasts a range of a thousand kilometers. However, these claims lack substantiation», — explained Kryvolap.

During the attack on Kyiv, explosions ensued almost immediately following the air raid alert, underscoring the need for revised principles in warning the public about impending danger.

«Less than three minutes transpired between the air alert announcement and the missile arrival yesterday. This indicates their exceedingly high speed, resulting in substantial kinetic energy, evidenced by the craters left behind even after interception. The people of Kyiv had already encountered this missile on February 7. There were earlier, unverified reports of its use in Zaporizhzhia, likely referring to the Zircon. I believe future air raid warning systems should be revised, as two minutes isn’t sufficient time to seek shelter. In the event of a Zircon ballistic missile threat, seeking refuge behind thick walls and multi-layered ceilings is advisable. It’s imperative that people understand how to respond given the circumstances», — emphasized the aviation expert.