The Russian frigate Admiral Golovko, armed with advanced Zircon hypersonic missiles, recently completed maneuvers in the English Channel and has now entered the Atlantic Ocean to continue its mission.
Missiles Reaching Mach 9
According to Russian state media, the deployment of Admiral Golovko comes at a critical time, as tensions remain high due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and recent political shifts in the United States.
The Zircon missiles are a central component of the Admiral Golovko's armament and represent a significant leap in military technology, according to L'Independent.
These missiles can reach speeds of up to Mach 9, approximately 11,000 km/h, and have a range of 1,000 km.
Equipped with stealth capabilities, they are designed to evade radar and defense systems, making them particularly difficult to intercept.
These features position Zircon missiles among the most advanced and strategically important weapons in Russia's arsenal.
A Calculated Sign From Moscow
During its recent exercises, the frigate’s crew took part in a variety of drills, including anti-terrorist exercises and simulated defenses against aerial and marine drone attacks.
According to RIA News, which cited a statement from Russia’s Northern Fleet, the Admiral Golovko has “completed its passage through the English Channel and is currently heading to designated operational areas in the Atlantic.”
This mission is the frigate’s first long-distance deployment since joining the Russian Navy in December 2020, as reported by the TASS news agency.
This move places Admiral Golovko and its hypersonic missiles closer to U.S. waters, a development that has drawn international attention.
This deployment of Admiral Golovko and its weaponry appears to be a calculated signal from Moscow.
With U.S. President-elect Donald Trump recently stating his intentions to broker an end to the conflict in Ukraine, Russia may be using this show of force as leverage in future diplomatic efforts.
