“Zircon” from Kursk region: flight time to Kyiv cut roughly in half

Russia’s hypersonic missile “Zircon” was used for the first time from the territory of Kursk region — this significantly reduces flight time to Kyiv compared to traditional launches from Crimea.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported the use of the missile from Kursk region in their briefing.

A total of three “Zircons” were launched overnight, none of which were shot down.

Previously, the Russian army had struck with “Zircon” from Crimea, which was the traditional method of employing this weapon. The missile is typically launched from ground-based “Bastion” systems. “Zircon” is a Russian hypersonic anti-ship cruise missile designed to strike surface and ground targets. It was adopted into service with the Russian Armed Forces in January 2023.

Southern Defense Forces reported last year that “Zircon” flies from Crimea to Kyiv in 3.5 minutes, covering approximately 650 kilometers. From Kursk to Kyiv is just over 400 kilometers. At the same time, the Ukrainian border is still about 100 kilometers from Kursk, meaning the actual distance to Kyiv could be even shorter. Thus, the flight time of “Zircon” to Kyiv from Kursk region is reduced by roughly half.

That same night, Kyiv came under a massive attack by Russia, with damage recorded in numerous districts of the city. Strikes by the “Oreshnik” missile system were recorded in the Bila Tserkva area of Kyiv region.