The Admiral Gorshkov is part of the Russian Northern Fleet and will make a long sea voyage to the Atlantic and Indian Oceans to demonstrate Russian naval power. The warship, which entered service in 2018, is the first frigate to be equipped with the new missiles.
The Zirkon has a range of over 300 miles and is mainly used for anti-ship missions. Due to its extremely high speed – according to Russian figures it can accelerate up to eight thousand to nine thousand kilometers per hour – it is practically unstoppable by anti-aircraft fire.
The public ceremony apparently also serves to divert attention from the weaknesses of the Russian military in the war in Ukraine.
After more than ten months since the start of the invasion, which the Russians label a “special military operation”, Putin is no longer seen by an increasing number of Russians as the strong warlord he wants to be. The image of the Russian army and the arms industry are also suffering. Putin promised on Wednesday to further equip the Russian armed forces with advanced weapons.