Moscow (Agencies): Russia has introduced its latest military innovation, the Oreshnik missile, a medium-range hypersonic weapon that experts predict could significantly alter the balance of power in the ongoing Ukraine conflict and beyond. Announced by President Vladimir Putin, this high-precision missile is being hailed as a breakthrough in missile technology, marking a new era in Russia’s defense capabilities.
Key Features of the Oreshnik Missile
- Hypersonic Speed and Precision
Capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 10 (approximately 12,200 km/h), the Oreshnik missile is designed to outpace existing missile defense systems. According to Putin, “There are no means of counteracting Oreshnik-type complexes in the world,” underscoring its technological superiority.
- Independent Development
Unlike upgrades of Soviet-era systems, the Oreshnik is a wholly new design based on modern Russian technology. Putin emphasized that it symbolizes the advancements achieved in post-Soviet Russia, describing it as a product of “New Russia.”
- Tactical Power Comparable to Strategic Weapons
Although classified as a medium-range missile, its collective use alongside other precision systems positions it on par with strategic weapons in terms of operational impact, Putin stated.
- First Combat Use and Strategic Implications
On November 21, 2024, the Oreshnik was used in combat for the first time, striking the Yuzhmash industrial complex in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. The site, a former Soviet missile production facility, was targeted in response to Ukraine’s deployment of long-range Western missiles, such as the ATACMS and Storm Shadow systems.
Putin described the attack as a necessary response, asserting, “The regional conflict in Ukraine has acquired elements of a global character.”
- Mass Production and Deployment
Russia has already initiated the mass production of the Oreshnik missile, which will be integrated into the Strategic Missile Forces. Putin highlighted that the missile’s development was achieved using entirely domestic resources, showcasing Russia’s ability to sidestep international sanctions and reliance on foreign components.
- Global Reactions and Concerns
The unveiling of the Oreshnik has alarmed Western powers, raising fears of an escalation in the Ukraine conflict and broader geopolitical tensions. Ukrainian officials have called for advanced air defense systems from the US, including modernized Patriot and Aegis platforms, though their effectiveness against hypersonic missiles like the Oreshnik remains uncertain.
- Broader Implications
General Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, stated that the Oreshnik “can hit targets throughout Europe,” highlighting its far-reaching capabilities. While not officially labeled a weapon of mass destruction, its precision and destructive potential make it a powerful tool for targeting critical infrastructure in adversarial states.
As mass production ramps up and geopolitical tensions rise, the Oreshnik is set to become a cornerstone of Russia’s military strategy, further complicating international security dynamics.