How long does it take for Zircon missile to reach Kyiv from Crimea: expert tells

Defense Express development director Valerii Riabykh says the Zircon missiles used by Russia to attack Kyiv on March 25 could reach the capital from the occupied Crimea in 7-10 minutes

He said this on Espreso TV.

"Analyzing the attack on Kyiv today and on February 7 with Zircon missiles, it is worth noting that this type of missile is very dangerous because they have a very high speed. Today these missiles were launched from the occupied Crimea and the approach time is measured in minutes. That is, if these missiles are launched from Crimea, they reach Kyiv in 7-10 minutes. In addition, the launch of this missile cannot be predicted in advance, unlike Kinzhals. Because with the Kinzhals, everything is clear when Mig-31s, the carriers of these missiles, take off from the airfields. The situation with Zircon is different. These missiles can be detected only after they are launched," explained Riabykh.

The expert noted that Russia cannot use Zircon missiles often.

"The Zircon missile has a lower warhead weight than the Kinzhal. At least twice as much. According to preliminary estimates, the weight of the Zircon warhead is between 200 and 300 kg. However, it should be emphasized that such strikes cannot be frequent at this stage of the war. As of now, these missiles are unlikely to go into mass production. Currently, the Russians are producing these missiles in an experimental form," he added.