Hypersonic or quasi-ballistic? Inside Russia's Zircon missiles terrorising Kyiv

Ukraine is struggling with a critical lack of air defense systems that can counter advanced threats like Russia's Zircon hypersonic missiles. While most air defense systems can handle cruise missiles and drones, ballistic and hypersonic weapons pose a significantly greater challenge.

Currently, only a handful of Ukraine's Patriot and SAMP/T systems possess the capability to intercept these high-speed projectiles. This limited defense capacity is a vulnerability Russia is actively exploiting. Russian forces are reportedly launching dozens of Iskander ballistic missiles, S-400 missiles, and the hypersonic Kinzhal and Zircon missiles on a weekly basis.

Russia has intensified its deployment of Zircon missiles this year, with approximately 40 launched since early 2026. However, despite their increased use, questions persist regarding the Zircon's actual capabilities and effectiveness. An analysis by OSINT analyst Fabian Hinz, in collaboration with Ukrainian military personnel and experts like Pavel Luzin, seeks to shed light on the missile's origins and the threat it represents.