The Russian Navy has successfully tested its new hypersonic Zirkon missile using computer simulation during a manoeuvre in the Atlantic Ocean.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence announced on its Telegram channel that this was carried out during an exercise by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov in the western part of the Atlantic Ocean.

The simulation was successful, commander Igor Kromal reported in a video released by the ministry.

The missile itself was not fired at the assumed target 900 kilometres away.

The video only showed the missile hatch opening after the firing command.

The missile trajectory was modelled on the screens.

The test was justified as a practice run of the actual launch procedures.

The Zirkon is a sea target missile with a long-range and enormous speed.

It is said to be able to accelerate to more than 9,000km per hour, making it practically unreachable for air defences.

Potentially, the Zirkon can also carry a nuclear warhead.

Before his re-election in 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin had threatened the West with the other three.

It said the Avangard cruise missile, the ground-launched Sarmat missile and the Kinzhal were launched from aircraft.

The Zirkon was only officially put into service at the beginning of January.

After Admiral Gorshkov, further Russian frigates were to be equipped with the cruise missile.

Wednesday’s announcement came as the West prepared to provide Ukraine with more advanced military hardware, such as German-built Leopard two battle tanks, in its fight against Russia’s invasion. 

(dpa/NAN)