Zirkon

The Zirkon (NATO reporting name SS-N-33) is Russia's flagship hypersonic anti-ship and land-attack missile, capable of speeds exceeding Mach 8 (approximately 9,800 km/h) with a reported range of 1,000-1,500 km. Launched from frigates and submarines, it was designed primarily to defeat Western naval air defences by arriving too fast for interceptor systems to react. Russia claimed it entered service in January 2023 aboard the frigate Admiral Gorshkov.

In the 13-14 March 2026 barrage, Russia fired one Zirkon alongside 25 Kalibrs, 24 Kh-101s, 7 Iskander-Ms, and 430 drones. Its inclusion in the war's heaviest combined assault was notable but its rarity is telling: Russia has used the Zirkon only sparingly against Ukraine, suggesting limited stockpiles, high unit cost, or both. By contrast, the Kalibr and Kh-101 are fired in volleys of dozens.

The Zirkon's hypersonic speed theoretically makes it nearly impossible to intercept with current air defence systems, including Patriot. However, its practical impact in Ukraine has been limited by small numbers rather than capability. Western analysts debate whether the weapon performs as advertised at scale or whether Russia's limited industrial capacity constrains production to single-digit monthly output. Its primary strategic value may be as a naval deterrent rather than a land-attack weapon.