The 3M22 "Zircon" and Kh-47M2 "Kinzhal" are often referred to as hypersonic missiles of the same class, but they are completely different systems.
"Zircon" is a sea-based cruise missile, primarily designed to engage large surface targets. "Kinzhal" is an air-launched aeroballistic complex, mainly intended for striking ground targets.
Let's compare these two advanced Russian systems based on five key criteria.
Speed
On paper, the "Kinzhal" appears faster: its maximum speed is usually stated as up to Mach 10–12, while for the "Zircon" it's around Mach 8–9.
The "Kinzhal" gains a huge speed reserve from its carrier aircraft and reaches maximum values at certain segments of its trajectory. When descending to the target, the missile loses some speed.
The "Zircon" uses a hypersonic ramjet engine and is designed for sustained high-speed flight in the cruise phase. We'll call this a draw.
Range
For the "Zircon," open sources typically cite a range of about 1000 km, although its characteristics are not officially disclosed.
The "Kinzhal" flies up to 2000 km. When launched from a MiG-31K, the aircraft additionally provides the missile with a significant operational radius, so it scores a point here.
Maneuverability and Air Defense Penetration
Both systems pose serious challenges to missile defense due to their high speed and ability to change trajectory.
The "Zircon" combines hypersonic speed with maneuvering in the cruise phase. The "Kinzhal" uses an aeroballistic trajectory and can also maneuver, which complicates the calculation of the interception point.
However, the actual capabilities of both systems and their resilience to modern air defense systems largely remain classified. It's impossible to determine a winner here.
Versatility
The "Zircon" was developed as an anti-ship system, but the missile is also capable of striking ground targets.
The "Kinzhal" was originally developed based on the "Iskander" complex primarily for striking ground targets. The possibility of effective use against moving ships was also stated. Ultimately, the specialization of the missiles is still different, so we'll call this a draw.
Carrier Mobility
Here, the advantage of the "Kinzhal" is most obvious. The MiG-31K can quickly redeploy between airfields and change the direction of a potential strike. The aircraft can launch a missile from a long distance, adding its own combat radius to the missile's range.
The "Zircon" depends on a ship or submarine equipped with appropriate launchers. This makes it less mobile in an operational sense, although it allows the missile to be used from different directions in the maritime theater. The "Kinzhal" appears preferable.
Final score – 2:0 in favor of the "Kinzhal".
The "Kinzhal" wins primarily due to the range and mobility of its air launch, while the "Zircon" represents a different class of weapon – a sea-based hypersonic cruise missile with its own engine.