President Vladimir Putin said today that the Russian Navy could be equipped with Zircon hypersonic missiles within the next few months and that the area where they will be deployed will depend on Russian interests.
Speaking at Russian Fleet Day in St Petersburg, Putin praised Tsar Peter the Great for turning Russia into a major naval power. Putin made no direct reference to Ukraine.
But the Russian president said he had signed a new naval doctrine, the details of which were not made public, and mentioned the Zircon supersonic cruise missiles, which are considered unique in the world.
"The delivery of these missiles to the Russian armed forces will begin in the coming months," Putin said.
"The frigate Admiral Gorshkov will be the first to be put into combat mode with these formidable weapons."
"The main thing here is the ability of the Russian navy. It is able to respond with lightning speed to all those who decide to encroach on our sovereignty and freedom,” he added.
Russia has conducted previous test launches of Zircon from warships and submarines last year.