Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 armed with hypersonic Zircon and nuclear KH102 missiles can strike targets unseen by other fighters
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Aug 07, 2025, 22:56 IST
Felon Unleashes Hypersonic Fury
( Image credit : TIL Creatives )
Highlight of the story: Russia has enhanced its aerial strike capabilities by equipping its Su-57 stealth fighter with hypersonic Zircon missiles and upgraded KH 101/102 cruise missiles. This combination significantly extends the Su-57’s engagement range, enabling it to strike targets thousands of kilometers away. The deployment of these advanced missiles underscores Russia's commitment to advancing its military technology despite international pressure.
In a significant advancement of its aerial strike capabilities, Russia has equipped its fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon, with state-of-the-art hypersonic Zircon missiles and upgraded nuclear-capable KH 101/102 cruise missiles. This combination dramatically extends the Su-57’s ability to engage targets at ranges thousands of kilometers beyond the reach of conventional fighter jets, a development confirmed by Lieutenant General Alexander Maksimtsev, the Russian Aerospace Forces’ First Deputy Commander-in-Chief.
The deployment of the 3N-22 Zircon missile, also known by its NATO reporting name SS-N-33, marks a new chapter in Russia’s military arsenal. Previously developed primarily for naval platforms, the Zircon missile is now adapted for air-to-surface use aboard the Su-57, enabling Russia to project power at unprecedented distances. Capable of speeds up to Mach 9 (approximately 6,000 miles per hour or 9,600 kilometers per hour) and equipped with a reported range of around 1,000 kilometers, the Zircon is one of the fastest missiles in active service worldwide. Its hypersonic speed and maneuverability make it a highly elusive threat, difficult to detect or intercept.
Alongside the Zircon, the Su-57 carries modified versions of the KH 101/102 long-range cruise missiles, boasting a striking range of 3,500 kilometers. Traditionally deployed on strategic bombers such as the Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack and Tu-95 Bear-H, these missiles have been reengineered to fit the Su-57’s airframe, including a smaller ammunition payload, folding wings, and a compact turbojet engine variant. This redesign allows the Su-57 to deliver the longest strike range among comparable fighter aircraft globally, with the capability to carry either conventional or nuclear warheads.
Russia’s announcement to operationalize these missiles on the Su-57 and actively test them in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine highlights the country’s ongoing commitment to advancing its military technology despite enduring sanctions and international pressure. The war has not stalled Moscow’s development and production of cutting-edge weaponry, with the United Aircraft Corporation ramping up Su-57 production to meet a target of 76 fighters by 2028. In 2024 alone, deliveries doubled compared to the previous year, reflecting a significant acceleration in manufacturing capacity.
Compared to Western capabilities, the Su-57’s integration of hypersonic missiles offers a distinct edge. For instance, the U.S. Navy’s RIM-174 Standard Extended Range Active Missile (SM-6), while versatile, does not match the speed or strike range of the Zircon. The combination of stealth, speed, and extended reach makes the Su-57 a uniquely dangerous platform capable of striking high-value targets far beyond the front lines, often without warning.
In conclusion, the Su-57’s armament with hypersonic Zircon and nuclear-capable KH 101/102 missiles places it at the forefront of modern aerial warfare technology. This fighter jet’s enhanced offensive reach and stealth characteristics ensure that it remains a formidable element of Russia’s military power projection, reshaping the dynamics of air combat and strategic deterrence in the 21st century.
The deployment of the 3N-22 Zircon missile, also known by its NATO reporting name SS-N-33, marks a new chapter in Russia’s military arsenal. Previously developed primarily for naval platforms, the Zircon missile is now adapted for air-to-surface use aboard the Su-57, enabling Russia to project power at unprecedented distances. Capable of speeds up to Mach 9 (approximately 6,000 miles per hour or 9,600 kilometers per hour) and equipped with a reported range of around 1,000 kilometers, the Zircon is one of the fastest missiles in active service worldwide. Its hypersonic speed and maneuverability make it a highly elusive threat, difficult to detect or intercept.
Alongside the Zircon, the Su-57 carries modified versions of the KH 101/102 long-range cruise missiles, boasting a striking range of 3,500 kilometers. Traditionally deployed on strategic bombers such as the Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack and Tu-95 Bear-H, these missiles have been reengineered to fit the Su-57’s airframe, including a smaller ammunition payload, folding wings, and a compact turbojet engine variant. This redesign allows the Su-57 to deliver the longest strike range among comparable fighter aircraft globally, with the capability to carry either conventional or nuclear warheads.
Russia’s announcement to operationalize these missiles on the Su-57 and actively test them in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine highlights the country’s ongoing commitment to advancing its military technology despite enduring sanctions and international pressure. The war has not stalled Moscow’s development and production of cutting-edge weaponry, with the United Aircraft Corporation ramping up Su-57 production to meet a target of 76 fighters by 2028. In 2024 alone, deliveries doubled compared to the previous year, reflecting a significant acceleration in manufacturing capacity.
Compared to Western capabilities, the Su-57’s integration of hypersonic missiles offers a distinct edge. For instance, the U.S. Navy’s RIM-174 Standard Extended Range Active Missile (SM-6), while versatile, does not match the speed or strike range of the Zircon. The combination of stealth, speed, and extended reach makes the Su-57 a uniquely dangerous platform capable of striking high-value targets far beyond the front lines, often without warning.
In conclusion, the Su-57’s armament with hypersonic Zircon and nuclear-capable KH 101/102 missiles places it at the forefront of modern aerial warfare technology. This fighter jet’s enhanced offensive reach and stealth characteristics ensure that it remains a formidable element of Russia’s military power projection, reshaping the dynamics of air combat and strategic deterrence in the 21st century.