Russia’s president Vlademir Putin stated that the tests of Tsirkon hypersonic naval missile are completed. He stated this at the main naval parade in St. Petersburg on Sunday, Interfax reports.

According to Defpost.com, the weapon was fired from warship Admiral Gorshkov.

3M22 Tsirkon/3M22 Zircon missile (NATO reporting name: SS-N-33)  have been in development for over 20 years. The weapon reportedly has a maximum flight speed of Mach 9 and a range of over 1,000 km. It is a surface to surface missile with anti-ship capacity.

“The unique advantages and increased combat capabilities of the fleet will be achieved through the widespread introduction of advanced digital technologies, such as the hypersonic strike systems, analogues of which cannot be found anywhere in the world, unmanned submarines, and through the most effective means of defence,” Putin said.

The combination of high speed, manoeuvrability, and altitude of hypersonic missiles, makes them difficult to track and intercept.

Putin did not specify when it would receive new hypersonic weapons.