Russia Deploys MIRV-Equipped Hypersonic Oreshnik Missile in Ukraine: What It Means?
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia deployed a hypersonic new intermediate-range ballistic missile-the Oreshnik-against Ukraine. He claimed that the projectile, capable of performing at ten times the speed of sound, hit a military-industrial facility in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro. With this missile, even the most advanced European anti-aircraft systems would prove ineffectual against it, Putin said.
Modern air defense systems exist worldwide, and anti-missile defenses created by the Americans in Europe can’t intercept such missiles.
Putin made the statement on live television about how this attack represented Russia's response to Ukraine's using US and British missiles to hit Russian territory earlier in the week. He threatened that if there were more attacks, Russia would aim its strikes back very powerfully and even hinted that NATO countries providing arms to Ukraine could be targeted.
Pentagon:
— Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (BlueSky too) (@Archer83Able) November 21, 2024
- Russia's experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile launched at Ukraine was based on the RS-26 Rubezh ICBM model;
- The US was notified by Russia about the launch briefly before it occurred through nuclear risk reduction channels. pic.twitter.com/a9bq8e8IZ3
What You Need to Know About the Oreshnik Missile?
Russia has added the Oreshnik missile to its growing hypersonic arsenal. This intermediate-range missile can travel up to 5,500 kilometers (3,400 miles) and carry either conventional or nuclear warheads. It’s based on the RS-26 Rubezh, a missile originally designed for both types of payloads. Putin said the Oreshnik was developed in response to the US placing similar missiles in Europe.
The missile strike on Dnipro used a technology called Multiple Independently-Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs), which allows one missile to release several warheads, each targeting a different location. Although MIRVs were initially created for nuclear weapons, this attack used conventional ones. Video of the strike showed multiple fire trails and explosions, supporting claims of MIRV use. Analysts agreed the missile is a challenge for air defenses, though Russia’s claims about its military advancements are often met with skepticism.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the attack “a brutal escalation” and a violation of international law. He urged world leaders to take a strong stand, warning that failing to act could encourage Putin.
US officials, speaking anonymously, suggested the missile’s impact might be limited, as Russia likely has only a small number of these experimental weapons. However, the attack has raised concerns about the war’s direction. UK Defence Secretary John Healey called the situation “serious” and accused Russia of increasing attacks on civilians and infrastructure.
The strike happened just as the US approved Ukraine’s use of longer-range Western missiles to hit targets inside Russia. This decision, which angered Moscow, coincided with reports that North Korean troops are now supporting Russian forces.
Meanwhile, Putin updated Russia’s nuclear policy to allow nuclear responses to non-nuclear attacks from countries backed by nuclear powers. The US dismissed concerns that its policy decisions could escalate the conflict, blaming Russia’s actions for increasing tensions.
Ever wonder what an ICBM re-entering the atmosphere
— Tablesalt 🇨🇦🇺🇸 (@Tablesalt13) November 21, 2024
at 6 km per second looks like (mach 20)?
Well, Dnipro, a city in Ukraine was the first city in human history to find out.
Russia is completely unhinged. pic.twitter.com/SF5qpItz7c
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