It’s reportedly outfitted with Zircon hypersonic anti-ship missiles.
Whereas within the Channel it performed counter-terrorism drills and coaching on avoiding harmful targets, Russian state businesses reported, citing the northern fleet’s press service.
On Sunday, the Russian ministry of defence mentioned that the Admiral Golovko had crossed the narrowest a part of the Channel – Pas de Calais – having left the fleet’s base in Severomorsk, Russia, on 2 November.
It mentioned the “main task of the mission” was to “demonstrate the flag and ensure the naval presence in important areas of the off-shore maritime zone”.
The frigate was the primary Russian navy warship to be outfitted with Zircon hypersonic missiles. It’s fitted with 3S14 VLS cells, which might launch Kalibr, Oniks, or Zircon anti-ship cruise missiles.
The ocean-based Zircon hypersonic missiles have a spread of 900 km (560 miles), and might journey at a number of occasions the velocity of sound, making it tough to defend towards them.
In 2023 President Putin ordered the mass manufacturing of Zircon missiles as a part of the nation’s efforts to spice up its nuclear forces.
Mission 22350 ships are the most important warship of the fashionable Russian fleet at present being constructed. They’re designed for long-range operations.
The British Ministry of Defence has been contacted for remark.