Ukraine’s military intelligence agency has exposed new details about Russia’s 3M22 Zircon missile, including its design, warhead, guidance systems, and the companies producing it – along with foreign equipment used in its manufacturing.
The Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR) said the Zircon was originally developed as an anti-ship weapon for Russia’s nuclear-powered submarines and Project 22350 frigates equipped with 3S14 launch systems.
But Russia’s Black Sea Fleet has struggled to operate safely during the war, forcing Moscow to adapt the missile for launch from Bastion-M coastal missile systems, according to HUR.
Despite being one of Russia’s most expensive strike weapons, the Zircon carries a relatively small warhead of about 120 kilograms (264 pounds), HUR said. That is lighter than the roughly 150-kilogram (331 pounds) warhead carried by Russia’s smaller Banderol cruise missile.
What’s inside the Zircon?
The missile uses a two-stage propulsion system. A solid-fuel booster first accelerates it to the altitude and speed needed to activate its main solid-fuel engine.
Guidance and stabilization systems initially steer the missile toward its target. During the cruise phase, the Zircon uses an inertial navigation system before switching to an active radar seeker during the final stage of flight.
The missile also carries Russia’s Baget-83 digital onboard computing system, according to HUR.
Its rear section features electro-hydraulic control systems and folding aerodynamic fins. The entire tail section is reportedly made from titanium.
Russia has claimed the Zircon can reach Mach 9, but HUR said the highest recorded speed is around Mach 6.8 and that the missile cannot sustain that speed throughout its flight.
The disclosure comes as Russia continues expanding its use of ballistic weapons against Ukraine.
HUR also pointed to Russia’s reported use of an upgraded ballistic missile dubbed the Iskander-1000, which reportedly has a larger engine and launch system allowing it to strike targets at greater distances.
At the same time, Ukraine is facing growing pressure on its air-defense stockpiles. Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat has warned of shortages of missiles for Patriot and other air-defense systems, including those deployed on ground and aircraft platforms.