The Zircon hypersonic missile designed for surface ships of the Russian Navy is positioned to enter service in the upcoming period, with reports pointing to September 2022 as the target date. This information comes from TASS, which quotes a source connected to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The claim emphasizes that the strategic weapons program has progressed to the stage where tests of the product are complete and all necessary documentation is in place for its integration into active service. The expectation is that the Surface Zircon will be formally adopted by the fleet in the upcoming autumn season, marking a significant milestone in the navy’s modernization effort.
Industry observers have noted statements from former high-level officials about Russia’s broader plan to increase the production of warships equipped with precision-guided weapons. The discussions point to a sustained push to expand the fleet’s capabilities by arming more vessels with high-accuracy missile systems, including the Zircon class of hypersonic projectiles. This broader strategy suggests a multi-ship deployment approach, aligning with Moscow’s stated priorities in naval modernization and power projection on the world’s oceans.
On a separate development from mid-June, the hulls of two ships under Project 03182R were laid at a state shipyard. The aim of these ships is to explore the world ocean shelf, a mission that underscores the emphasis on extending the reach of maritime operations and resource access. Industry sources describe this construction phase as a step in diversifying the navy’s platform mix and enhancing its ability to operate in distant theaters with advanced weapon systems on board.
Within the Northern Fleet, leadership has highlighted recent procurement activity as part of a broader modernization effort. Illustrating this, the fleet has reported ongoing acquisitions that include a substantial share of modern weapon systems. Officials indicate that by the end of the year a sizable portion of the combat inventory will comprise up-to-date, high-precision weapons, reinforcing the fleet’s capacity for precision strike and rapid response across varied maritime environments.
Looking forward to the year-end timeline, the Northern Fleet is expected to conduct continued testing and evaluation of new armaments. The plan includes additional demonstrations or trials that will verify performance under real-world conditions and support the integration of these systems into routine operations. Together, these developments reflect a comprehensive program aimed at strengthening Russia’s naval deterrence and regional presence through improved precision strike capabilities, enhanced shipborne sensors, and more capable missile systems across a growing fleet.