Russia to test hypersonic missile in drills with China, South Africa – a first for an international exercise

Russia is set to begin conducting naval drills with China and South Africa on Friday in a trilateral display of international cooperation – and show off a powerful weapon.

The Admiral Gorshkov, a Russian frigate, arrived in Capetown, South Africa, this week ahead of the joint drills that will take place in South Africa’s Indian Ocean. 

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Russia said it tested a hypersonic Zircon cruise missile in the Barents Sea, May 28, 2022. (Russian Ministry of Defense)

A protest is held outside the Russian consulate in Cape Town, South Africa, Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, against naval exercises off the east coast of the country. (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht)

The Admiral Gorshkov is expected to test-fire a Zircon hypersonic missile – the first launch of its kind in an international exercise, state media outlet Tass reports. The Zircon hypersonic missile can penetrate any missile defenses to strike…