November 12th 2024.
In the year 2022, the Admiral Gorshkov frigate was spotted in the Barents Sea, launching a powerful Zircon nuclear-capable missile. This Russian navy warship was equipped with hypersonic cruise missiles and was conducting drills in the English Channel, as reported by state media. The frigate, known as the Northern Fleet's Admiral Golovko, was simulating attacks against enemy forces, practicing counter-terrorism strategies, and defending against both air and sea drones.
Before entering the Strait of Dover, the ship had already completed several exercises in the Barents, Norwegian, and North Seas. According to the fleet's press service, the crew conducted a training session to protect a group of ships, as well as practicing rescue operations using Ka-27 helicopters. After departing from Severomorsk, the main administrative base of the Russian Northern Fleet, on November 2nd, the 443-foot-long frigate successfully crossed the narrowest part of the Channel, known as Pas de Calais, on Sunday. This brought the vessel just 25 miles away from the city of Dover.
It's no secret that the Admiral Golovko has been making waves in the world's oceans, participating in various exercises while keeping a close eye on the enemies of Russia. In fact, the frigate's long-distance voyage was specifically designed to "demonstrate the flag" and maintain a naval presence in strategically important areas of the distant ocean.
One of the most unique features of this ship is its ability to launch cruise missiles, which differ from traditional ballistic missiles in how they fly. Unlike a cannonball-like trajectory, cruise missiles fly horizontally at a low altitude, making them much more difficult to defend against. These expensive, single-use weapons can reach supersonic speeds and navigate complex flight paths. The 3M22 Zircon, in particular, is said to be able to travel at eight times the speed of sound and has a range of 625 miles. With a 660-pound nuclear warhead, it's no wonder the Kremlin boasts about its capabilities.
According to the American non-profit Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance, these missiles are nearly impossible to defend against due to their incredible speed. In certain scenarios, a vessel would have just 15 seconds to react before the missile reaches its target. This is why Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the mass production of these powerful weapons starting in 2023, in an effort to strengthen the country's nuclear arsenal. However, some experts question whether Russia has the necessary resources and funds to produce the Zircon missiles in large quantities.
As for the Admiral Golovko itself, it is a versatile and formidable vessel, specializing in long-range strikes and anti-submarine and anti-aircraft warfare. Equipped with 3S14 VLS cells, the frigate is capable of launching both Kalibr and Oniks cruise missiles. The Kalibr missiles, with a range of 1,500 miles, are typically used for land attacks, while the Oniks missiles, with a range of 370 miles, have been a go-to weapon for the Russian army in their ongoing conflict with Ukraine. With its impressive capabilities and recent exercises, the Admiral Golovko is a force to be reckoned with on the world's oceans.
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