By John Q. Hosedrinker Russia used an advanced hypersonic missile for the first time in a recent strike, according to Ukraine’s claims. This news caught my attention, and I decided to dig deeper into the details. It seems that the missile in question is called the Zircon, which has raised some skepticism among experts.
One argument against the Zircon being a true hypersonic cruise missile is that it resembles the Soviet-era P-800 Oniks, which is not a scramjet design. Scramjets are known to be technologically challenging to build, requiring active cooling systems and larger rocket boosters. However, the Zircon has the same weight as the P-800 but boasts a larger warhead, which experts believe is not technically possible.
Furthermore, a picture published by Russia comparing the Zircon missile to the 3M44 missile points to the possibility that the Zircon is simply an upgraded P-800. These inconsistencies have led many to question the credibility of Russia’s claims.
It is concerning how much chaos Russia is causing, particularly to Ukraine, without facing significant consequences. The use of advanced hypersonic missiles like the Zircon may be part of Russia’s preparation for potential conflicts with the US and its allies. The fear lies in the fact that these missiles pose a significant threat to carrier fleets and leadership.
However, it is crucial to note that while the Zircon is technically hypersonic, it lacks the maneuvering capabilities associated with modern hypersonic missiles. The Zircon and another Russian hypersonic missile, the Kinzhal, are hard to intercept but can be targeted with current US technology due to their relatively deterministic flight paths.
The issue of cost and effectiveness also comes into play. The Zircon missile is estimated to cost around $10 million each, which makes it an expensive weapon. Unless it carries a nuclear warhead, its damage potential may not justify the cost. Additionally, its plasma shell, which hampers communication and requires internal navigation, can make it easier to detect using advanced pattern recognition technology.
Looking at the bigger picture, it seems that the West’s strategy is to prolong the conflict in Ukraine, bleeding Russia’s resources and limiting its ability to project force. While arming Ukraine with offensive equipment in large quantities would be an option, the goal is to achieve victory through attrition rather than forcing a rapid peace deal.
However, it is important to remember that the conflict in Ukraine is not America’s war. The US supports Ukraine to the best of its abilities, but it is not inclined to deploy ground troops. The notion that the front line men and women are being sacrificed to win through attrition is a grim reality that undercuts Russia’s long-term projection of power.
In the end, discussions about advanced hypersonic missiles and their capabilities are vital. It is essential to separate facts from misinformation and evaluate the true potential of these weapons. As the world faces evolving threats, it is crucial to adapt and develop technological advancements that can counter such weapons effectively.
The use of hypersonic missiles by Russia raises concerns about the arms race and the potential for catastrophic consequences. As tensions rise and conflicts persist, it is imperative for nations to work toward peaceful resolutions and collective progress, rather than channeling genius into annihilation. Only then can we explore new frontiers and move humanity forward.