Russia says frigate tests strike capabilities in Atlantic

In this handout photo taken from video released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Jan 10, 2023, a sailor is on duty onboard of the Admiral Gorshkov frigate of the Russian navy. (RUSSIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY PRESS SERVICE VIA AP)

MOSCOW – The Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday the frigate Admiral Gorshkov tested its strike capabilities in the western Atlantic Ocean.

In a statement, the ministry said the frigate had run a computer simulation on hypersonic Zircon missiles.     

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Zircon missiles have a range of 900 km, and can travel at several times the speed of sound, making it difficult to defend against them. The statement did not say the frigate had launched a missile.