A Russian navy warship equipped with hypersonic cruise missiles has conducted drills in the English Channel, Russian news agencies reported.

The ship, the project 22350 frigate Admiral Golovko, passed through the canal to perform tasks in the Atlantic Ocean, according to state news agency TASS.

It is reportedly equipped with Zircon hypersonic anti-ship missiles.

While in the English Channel, he conducted anti-terrorist exercises and training to avoid dangerous targets, Russian state agencies reported, citing the press service of the Northern Fleet.

On Sunday, the Russian Defense Ministry said Admiral Golovko had crossed the narrowest part of the English Channel, Pas de Calais, after leaving the fleet base in Severomorsk, Russia, on November 2.

He said the “main task of the mission” was to “display the flag and ensure naval presence in important areas of the coastal maritime zone.”

The frigate was the first warship of the Russian Navy to be equipped with Zircon hypersonic missiles. It is equipped with 3S14 VLS cells, which can launch Kalibr, Oniks or Zircon anti-ship cruise missiles.

Sea-based Zircon hypersonic missiles have a range of 900 kilometers (560 miles) and can travel at several times the speed of sound, making them difficult to defend against.

In 2023, President Putin ordered the mass production of Zircon missiles as part of the country’s efforts to boost its nuclear forces.

The Project 22350 ships are the largest warship in the modern Russian fleet currently being built. They are designed for long range operations.

The British Ministry of Defense has been contacted for comment.