Pictured above, a Yasen class submarine<\/p>\n
A Russian nuclear submarine capable of launching the country\u2019s hypersonic missile will enter naval service within three years, defense ministry officials said Thursday.<\/p>\n
The Yasen-class submarine will be the first regular carrier of the Zircon<\/a>, Russia<\/a>\u2019s advanced hypersonic cruise missile, according to the country\u2019s official TASS news agency.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Perm submarine with Tskirkons [missiles] is planned to enter service with the Navy in 2026. Prior to that, the submarine will undergo trials in late 2024 or early 2025,\u201d a Russian defense ministry official told TASS.<\/p>\n Hypersonic missiles are capable of maneuvering while flying faster than sound. In the past, Russian officials have claimed their Zircon<\/a> missiles could accelerate to Mach 9, more than 6,900 miles per hour.<\/p>\n The Russian navy conducted test launches of its Zircon<\/a> missiles from a submarine in October, TASS reported.<\/p>\n At least six similar submarines are being constructed at shipyards in Russia<\/a>, officials said.<\/p>\n