Russian Official Rules Out Launching Hypersonic Missile During Military Drills In South Africa

A Russian naval official said the controversially timed joint military drills with Chinese and South African forces this week off the coast of South Africa will not involve Russia executing a test firing of one of its most potent weapons, a hypersonic "Zircon" missile.

Admiral Gorshkov, a Russian frigate armed with Zircon hypersonic missiles, will participate in joint exercises with the Chinese navy but would not fire one of the weapons, the Russian official said during a news conference held on the South African frigate SAS Mendi on Wednesday.

"The hypersonic weapon will not be used in the context of these exercises," Russian naval officer Oleg Gladkiy told a press conference, as reported by DW.

"There is no hidden meaning in the exercises we are performing today," he added.

The Russian warship's presence in South Africa was controversial despite its armament of missiles. With symbols firmly connected to Putin's war on Ukraine, it was parked along the South African coast for journalists to view on Wednesday. The letters Z and V are emblazoned on the ship's side, two patriotic symbols used by Russia during its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

An official Russian news outlet had earlier reported that the Russian frigate Admiral Gorshkov would take part in the exercises and launch a zircon missile in training, aiming it at a "surface target" more than 310 miles away. Although "a source close to Russia's defense sector" was cited by the TASS news agency, it was underlined that Russian officials had not formally acknowledged the plan.

Contrary to prior claims that the exercise was scheduled during Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, the South African Chief of Joint Operations, Lt. Gen. Siphiwe Lucky Sangweni, claimed that planning for the naval drills began two years ago.

Chinese Navy commander Senior Captain Sun Hongli said his country sent a supply ship, a destroyer, and a frigate to participate in the joint exercises.

South Africa has been criticized for its lack of tact in hosting the Mosi-II drills. Also, up to this point, the South African government has refrained from strongly denouncing Russia's assault on Ukraine. Siphiwe Sangweni, a lieutenant general in the South African military, responded to the criticism by saying that "cooperation and coordination with all other militaries are very important to us."

He claimed that for South Africa's military to strengthen its defenses and engage in international peacekeeping operations, it must study strategies from other militaries.