Russian Warship Equipped with Hypersonic Missiles Conducts Drill in English Channel

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – A Russian warship carrying Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles carried out drills in the English Channel earlier this month, Sky News reports. Russia began mass-producing Zircon missiles in 2023 in an effort to strengthen its nuclear weapons capability.

A Project 22350 frigate, the Admiral Golovko navy warship left its base in Severomorsk, Russia, on November 2 and reached the Pas De Calais section of the English Channel on Sunday, November 10, Sky News reports. Project 22350 ships are the largest type of warship in Russia’s current navy fleet and are designed for long-range missions.

The Golovko conducted counter-terrorism drills and training on avoiding dangerous targets, Sky News reports. The ship was fitted with 3S14 VLS cells, which can launch Kalibr, Oniks, or Zircon anti-ship cruise missiles. “The sea-based Zircon hypersonic missiles have a range of 900 km (560 miles), and can travel at several times the speed of sound, making it difficult to defend against them,” Sky News noted in its report.

The Golovko’s principal task was to “demonstrate the flag and ensure the naval presence in important areas of the off-shore maritime zone,” the Russian defense ministry said.
In a statement, the UK’s conservative shadow defense secretary James Cartlidge said the Russian Navy drill shows that Britain must boost its own military.

“[The Russian Navy’s] reports underline how Russian activity continues to pose a direct right on our doorstep, not just in Ukraine. That’s why it’s so important for the Government to set out a clear pathway to 2.5 percent of GDP being spent on defense – so that we can rearm at pace, and boost our deterrence,” Cartlidge said.

Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.

More Worthy News

Republicans Defend, Democrats Vilify GOP Voter ID Bill
Republicans Defend, Democrats Vilify GOP Voter ID Bill
Thursday, March 19, 2026

As a marathon debate over the SAVE America Act continues in the U.S. Senate, Republicans and Democrats are sparring over whether the voter ID bill would strengthen election security or discourage potential voters.

Netanyahu: Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Capabilities ‘Neutralized’ as U.S.-Israel Campaign Intensifies
Netanyahu: Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Capabilities ‘Neutralized’ as U.S.-Israel Campaign Intensifies
Thursday, March 19, 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Thursday that Iran has lost its ability to enrich uranium and manufacture ballistic missiles following nearly three weeks of coordinated U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict.

Israel Strikes Iranian Navy in Caspian Sea, Expands “Operation Roaring Lion”
Israel Strikes Iranian Navy in Caspian Sea, Expands “Operation Roaring Lion”
Thursday, March 19, 2026

Israel dramatically expanded its military campaign against Iran, striking Iranian Navy targets in the Caspian Sea for the first time since the launch of “Operation Roaring Lion,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Thursday.

FBI Revealed Former Counterterrorism Chief Joe Kent Was Under Active Investigation Prior to Resignation
FBI Revealed Former Counterterrorism Chief Joe Kent Was Under Active Investigation Prior to Resignation
Thursday, March 19, 2026

The FBI has been investigating former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent for several months over allegations that he improperly shared classified information, according to multiple reports.

U.S. Launches Largest Strike Yet on Iran as Conflict Intensifies
U.S. Launches Largest Strike Yet on Iran as Conflict Intensifies
Thursday, March 19, 2026

The United States carried out its most extensive wave of strikes against Iran to date on Thursday, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Saudi Arabia Signals Possible Military Response After Iranian Strike on Oil Facility
Saudi Arabia Signals Possible Military Response After Iranian Strike on Oil Facility
Thursday, March 19, 2026

Saudi Arabia warned Thursday that it may take military action following an Iranian drone strike on a key oil installation, escalating tensions across the Middle East and raising concerns over regional stability and global energy supplies.

Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas Ten Commandments Law, State Vows Appeal
Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas Ten Commandments Law, State Vows Appeal
Thursday, March 19, 2026

A federal judge has struck down an Arkansas law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, igniting a renewed national debate over faith, history, and the First Amendment.