Fragments of the 3M22 Zircon rocket were found last week in the Dnieper district of the capital.

Experts from the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise (KNIISE) confirmed the use of the 3M22 Zircon “hypersonic” missile by the Russians during the attack on Ukraine on February 7, 2024. This was announced by the director of the institute, Alexander Ruvin.

“According to preliminary information, we actually have the fact of using the 3M22 Zircon missile. This is evidenced by markings on parts and debris, identification of components and parts, features of the corresponding type of weapon,” said the head of KNIISE.

According to Ruvin, the elements found are characteristic of Zircon. They are not used for other Russian missiles. Zircon components are marked 3L22, 3B22 and the like. On the rocket debris, the inscription 3Л22 was made using laser engraving and embossing, indicating a specific component from a specific product.

In addition, the steering mechanisms have bolts marked with the numbers 26, which is also a special feature of the Zircon. Other markings helped establish the rocket’s production date – the end of 2023 – 2024.

The microelectronics of the rocket turned out to be almost completely destroyed, so it is almost impossible to analyze. Moreover, even the data that experts already have at their disposal allows us to say that the rocket does not meet the specified technical parameters.

Zircon rocket

Fragments of a 3M22 Zircon missile were found in the Dnieper district of Kyiv, near a power line after the attack on February 7. Even then, there was an assumption that this was a “mysterious” Russian weapon that Moscow had been promoting for many years.

The Russians are positioning the 3M22 as a “hypersonic” anti-ship missile that can also be used to hit targets on the ground. It is assumed that its speed can be up to 11 thousand km/h, but it is not yet possible to confirm this data.

The regular carriers of the Zircon are new Russian ships and submarines, but experts suggest that the missile can be launched from stationary or mobile ground-based installations.