RUSSIA is developing a secret new mini-sized hypersonic missile it claims can beat any defences. Tests will start next year on the weapon codenamed Ostrota – or Sharpness – as Vladimir Putin accelerates his bid to outdo the West’s firepower. The latest missile, a smaller version of existing hypersonic rockets, will be deployed with supersonic Tu-22M3 bombers and Su-34 fighter-bombers. It is equipped with a specially adapted ramjet engine “to break through any modern air defence systems”, reports pro-Kremlin paper Izvestia. Separately, Russia has confirmed the first of four final tests on the deadly new Zircon hypersonic nukes will be in June, with all complete by the end of the summer. The 6,100 mph “unstoppable” cruise missile is on track to go into service next year. Putin sees the lethal Mach 8 ship-launched Zircon as his weapon of choice to target US cities in the event of a nuclear conflict, it has been reported. “The first launch of the Zircon missile from the frigate Admiral Gorshkov under the programme of state trials is scheduled for June,” a defence source told TASS. It is also confirmed that Russia’s Baltic Fleet is to be “seriously increased” – and that submarines armed with new-age Zircon missiles are expected to be deployed to protect the new undersea Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.