English 
Spanish 
4 min read
5 comments
Tensions between Russia and the West are rising as Russian military exercises involving Zircon hypersonic missiles near the UK and France raise strategic and diplomatic concerns.
Recent Russian military exercises in the English Channel have reignited tensions between Moscow and Western countries. The Russian frigate Admiral Golov, equipped with Zircon hypersonic missiles, carried out unannounced maneuvers near the British and French coasts, demonstrating the lethal potential and speed of hypersonic weaponry, which poses a real challenge to Western defenses.
This movement occurs in a continuous support scenario from the West to Ukraine, seen as a strategic threat by the Russian government, and reinforces the escalation of tensions in the region.
The Admiral Golov frigate, one of the most advanced vessels in Russia's Northern Fleet, has conducted Russian military exercises in the English Channel, equipping itself with Zircon missiles, whose hypersonic capabilities defy conventional defenses.
- The US invested a fortune in building a subway, but something happened and it was abandoned in 1928, without ever being completed.
- The incredible historical photographic record of an offshore hobbyhorse in Bahia for oil production
- Huge hoard of Roman coins discovered — and experts predict it could be worth a fortune
- France spends 2 billion dollars to build just 12 km highway around an island – but why?
See more
The Zircon is capable of reaching speeds in excess of Mach 5, making it nearly impossible to intercept by traditional anti-aircraft systems.
Russian military exercises are not accidental
The choice of the English Channel for these Russian military exercises is not accidental, considering the strategic proximity to the United Kingdom and France, both declared supporters of Ukraine in the conflict with Russia.
Moscow sees the West's military and diplomatic support for Kiev as a direct provocation. In recent weeks, leaders including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have reaffirmed their commitment to Ukrainian security.
This positioning is perceived by Russia as a threat, intensifying the network of strategic interests at stake.
The holding of Russian military exercises with long-range missiles in an area sensitive to the West aims to make it clear that Russia has the necessary power to act on the geopolitical board in an impactful way.
The frigate Admiral Golov is a symbol of Russian military modernization
With 135 meters in length and a displacement capacity of 5.400 tons, the vessel has a series of technologies advanced naval warfare equipment, including air and surface radars, sonars and a sophisticated electronic warfare system.
In terms of armament, in addition to the powerful 130 mm cannon and 32 anti-aircraft missile launchers, the frigate's 16 vertical launchers are capable of firing Zircon hypersonic missiles, which have a range of 900 km and can reach their targets in minutes.
For the West, the presence of Zircon missiles in the English Channel is a direct and highly psychological message. The maneuverability of these missiles, combined with their speed, makes them difficult to intercept, challenging the defensive strategies of NATO and its allies.
UK and France to step up activities
In response, the UK and France are expected to step up their military activities in the region, increasing the presence of ships and aircraft for surveillance. This move is crucial to ensuring that Russia is aware of Western surveillance of the area.
This episode may also force NATO to reconsider its defensive strategies, especially in coastal areas, investing in advanced technologies such as radar and interception systems.
The option of developing our own hypersonic capabilities also gains relevance, both as a form of deterrence and to maintain the balance of power.
Meanwhile, in addition to possible military responses, the West could pursue a diplomatic approach, with additional sanctions aimed at weakening Russia’s military industry. However, this option carries the risk of economic escalation, increasing Russia’s isolation and potentially escalating the conflict.
Economy impacted
To understand the strategic depth of the Russian military exercises in the English Channel, it is necessary to consider the internal Russian context.
Moscow's show of force comes amid an economy hit by sanctions, and is an attempt to show resilience to the West. By displaying military might with hypersonic weapons, Russia seeks to project an image of resilience and self-determination, setting limits that it hopes the West will not cross.
If these demonstrations continue, there is a risk of a new arms race focused on the development of hypersonic technologies. This could increase defense budgets on both sides and increase global instability, where every military action could be interpreted as a direct threat.
The Russian presence in the English Channel, with unannounced military exercises and hypersonic missiles, raises crucial questions for global security and international diplomacy.
For Western countries, the dilemma remains between intensifying diplomatic pressures or strengthen its defenses. In any case, the English Channel was the scene of an event that exemplifies the era of technological and military tension that the world is going through.
Dialogue, dialogue, dialogue….
I hope NATO responds in kind by holding military exercises near Kaliningrad.
There is no way to stop Russia, because countries are not helping Ukraine. If this had not happened with the support of two other countries, this war would have ended a long time ago. Russia is Russia.
Lula is Lula, right? Mature is mature, right? Kim jou um is Kim, right? That explains it, the people are the ones who suffer because of land and greed.
The West's concern is interesting! NATO conducts military exercises whenever and wherever it wants, often in the face of China, Russia and also North Korea. When China and especially Russia conduct these exercises, it seems like the world is going to end. They exploit this very well in the media.