Russian frigate with guided missiles embarks on a ‘mission’

Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region:  Russia pressed into service, its “combat duty” frigate ‘Admiral Gorshkov’, a modern multi-purpose ship with guided missile weapons “designed to resolve challenges in the far seas and ocean zones”. The ship embarked on a “long-distance naval mission” across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea, today.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said the main objectives of this mission will be focused on countering any threats to Russia, and maintaining regional peace and stability together with friendly countries. During the exercises and training, the crew will practice the use of hypersonic weapons and long-range cruise missiles in various environmental conditions, he added. 

Equipped with the cutting-edge Zircon hypersonic missile system, which has no analogue as it is a sea-based hypersonic system, the ship, which includes other new-generation weapons, was accepted by the Navy in 2018 and confirmed for the use of Zircon hypersonic missiles in 2021. It is capable of inflicting pinpoint and powerful strikes against an enemy at sea and on land. At the same time, one feature of the Zircon hypersonic missiles is the ability to reliably overcome today’s advanced air defence and missile defence systems. The missile’s flight speed is over Mach 9, and the range is over 1,000 kilometres.

The Commander of the Admiral of the Soviet Navy Gorshkov frigate Igor Krokhmal said the ship went through the full cycle of preparations for its mission. It was equipped with ammunition for the missiles in the Zircon and Caliber systems, air defence systems, torpedo weapons, and artillery. The crew of the ship is ready to carry out the tasks of combat duty.

Prior to the ship’s departure for a long-distance naval mission, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that “such powerful weapons will make it possible to reliably defend Russia from potential external threats and will help ensure our national interests”. He stressed that Russia will continue to build up the combat potential of the Armed Forces and produce advanced weapons and equipment that will guard Russia’s security in the coming decades. “This is a promising weapon,” he said.