The Russian missile "Tsirkon", which is classified as a hypersonic weapon, has become the subject of debate. Military analyst Fabian Hinz stated that existing data does not allow it to be unequivocally considered a full-fledged hypersonic cruise missile.
The main dispute concerns the design of the product. According to Hinz, there are several versions of the missile's origin and operating principle.
The third theory suggests that "Tsirkon" is not a cruise missile at all, but a quasi-ballistic missile. Such a system would use a rocket engine, not an air-breathing engine, and would follow an unpredictable trajectory.
Hinz effectively questioned the perception of "Tsirkon" as a full-fledged hypersonic cruise missile.
"Tsirkon" represents a less sophisticated, but operationally significant quasi-ballistic system, like "Iskander-M".
Currently, "Tsirkon" is launched from ships and submarines via universal launch systems 3S14. Military analyst Yuri Knutov emphasized that it is impossible to shoot down the missile with existing air defense systems.