Military expert: Russian hypersonic missile Zircon ends era of US nuclear aircraft carrier dominance
The American fleet , considered the strongest in the world, is facing a new threat from Russia. The emergence of the hypersonic missile "Zircon" in the Russian Navy has upset the existing balance of military power between the countries. This is stated in an article for The National Interest by military expert, Associate Fellow of New College, Oxford University Brandon Weichert.
Russia has adopted the hypersonic missile "Zircon", capable of hitting targets at a distance of over one thousand kilometers. Considering that "Zircon" is primarily an anti-ship missile, and today Western countries do not have protection against hypersonic weapons , the Americans should think about it. "Zircon" essentially announces the end of the era of dominance of US nuclear aircraft carriers.
Given that the Zircon is primarily an anti-ship missile, the threat to American surface ships, particularly the US Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, cannot be overestimated.
— writes Weichert.
According to the expert, by arming its ships and submarines with hypersonic missiles, Russia is seeking to change the balance of power at sea, primarily in the Baltic, Arctic and Black Seas. Weichert warns that if the US and its allies do not find ways to counter hypersonic weapons, Moscow will achieve its goal.
Today, the Zircon hypersonic missile is in service with the Russian Navy. It is part of the arsenal of Project 22350 frigates, Yasen-M multipurpose submarines, and Project 949A Antey submarines undergoing modernization. In addition, it is planned to arm all frigates and corvettes under construction with Zircon missiles.
