Russian warship loaded with 7,000mph hypersonic missiles menacingly sails through UK waters - Royal Navy on alert

There are fears that the ship may be heading towards China for joint drills.
There are fears that the ship may be heading towards China for joint drills.
The Royal Navy
George McMillan

By George McMillan


Published: 12/01/2023

- 11:47

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 10:23

The ship is carrying Russia's 'super weapon' hypersonic missiles with a range of over 600 miles

A Russian warship loaded with 7,000mph hypersonic missiles is sailing through UK waters as the Royal Navy monitors its movements.

The Royal Navy said HMS Portland, a Type 23 frigate, is monitoring the Russian guided missile frigate Admiral Gorshkov and accompanying tanker Kama as they sail in international waters near the UK.


Undated handout photo issued by the Royal Navy of HMS Portland (bottom) tracking Admiral Gorshkov and accompanying tanker Kama in the background as they sail in international waters close to the UK. A Russian warship sailing %22close to the UK%22 through the North Sea was being tracked by the Royal Navy on Wednesday. The Royal Navy said its warship HMS Portland, a Type 23 frigate, is monitoring the Russian guided missile frigate Admiral Gorshkov and accompanying tanker Kama as they sail in international waters near the UK. Issue date: Wednesday January 11, 2023.
A Russian warship loaded with 7,000mph hypersonic missiles is sailing through UK waters as the Royal Navy monitors its movements.
The Royal Navy

Admiral Gorshkov weighs 5,400 tons and is 442ft long, and is currently carrying Vladimir Putin’s “super weapon” zircon missiles.

The missiles have a 625 miles range and are considered one of the world’s most deadly weapons.

There are fears that the ship may be heading towards China for joint drills.

HMS Portland’s commanding officer Commander Ed Moss-Ward said: “Escorting warships in UK territorial waters and the adjacent sea areas is routine activity for the Royal Navy.

“By maintaining a visible and persistent presence, the Royal Navy ensures compliance with maritime law and deters malign activity to protect our nation’s interests.

“Escorting the Russian task group alongside forces from our NATO allies has demonstrated the UK’s commitment to the alliance and to maintaining maritime security.”

HMS Portland joined the Norwegian Coast Guard vessel Bergen, as the Russian ships moved south through the Norwegian Sea, the Royal Navy said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to the report by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Commander of the Admiral Gorshkov frigate Igor Krokhmal before a ceremony to launch the Admiral Gorshkov frigate to the combat mission, via video link in Moscow, Russia January 4, 2023. Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY.
Putin joined a video call to mark the ship's voyage.
SPUTNIK

Marking the start of its journey, Vladimir Putin hailed the ship’s power.

The Russian President said: “The frigate Admiral Gorshkov is embarking on a long sea voyage.

It is tracking and reporting on the movements of the Russian ships through the North Sea.

“There is nothing unusual here: it is commonplace, but this time the ship is equipped with the latest hypersonic rocket system Zircon, which has no match.

"It is a hypersonic sea-based system - [and the vessel has other] latest-generation weapons…

“As I said, it has no equivalent in any country in the world.

“I am sure that such a powerful weapon will allow us to reliably protect Russia from potential external threats and help ensure our country's national interests.”

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