Zirkon

Zirkon is also called Tsirkon. It is a Russian anti – ship hypersonic cruise missile. It is a submarine launched and land attack missile.

What are the specifications of Zirkon?

• The Zirkon can carry warhead of 300 to 400 kg.
• It is fired by Scramjet Engine. A scramjet is a supersonic combustion ramjet engine. Here combustion takes place in supersonic airflow.
• The propellant of Zirkon is Decilin – M. It is a liquid propellant.
• The operational range is greater than 1000 km.
• The flight altitude of Zirkon is 28 km.
• The maximum speed of Zirkon is Mach 8 to Mach 9.

How is Zirkon related to BrahMos – II?

According to experts, Zirkon is an export version of Brahmos – II. BrahMos – II is a hypersonic cruise missile. It is under development by DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia. Together they have developed BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited. The features of Brahmos – II are the same as that of the Zirkon. It has a scramjet engine. Its range is 1000 km. Its maximum speed is Mach 8. However, the operational range has been restricted to 290 km.

Does Zirkon comply MTCR?

No. In order to export a missile, its range should be limited under 300 km or at least up to 400 km. The range of Zirkon is 1000 km. MTCR is Missile Technology Control Regime. Russia is a signatory of MTCR. MTCR is not a treaty. Also, it does not impose legal obligations on its members.