Putin Unveils Hypersonic Missile “Oreshnik” Following Successful Test.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has revealed details about a powerful new missile, the Oreshnik (hazel tree), following its deployment in an attack on Dnipro earlier on Thursday. Speaking in Moscow during a meeting with defence officials and members of his Security Council, Putin announced the missile’s successful test and emphasised its strategic importance amid evolving global threats.
The Oreshnik, according to Putin, is capable of reaching speeds of Mach 10—ten times the speed of sound—and is impervious to interception. He claimed, “No other nations have weapons such as this one,” and confirmed that serial production of the missile systems has now been ordered.
Despite Putin’s assertion, there is little consensus among experts about the missile’s exact nature. Ukrainian military intelligence has suggested it may be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) known as Kedr (cedar). Others believe it could be derived from the shorter-range Iskander missile, potentially incorporating a new-generation solid fuel engine.
If Putin’s claim that the Oreshnik is an intermediate-range missile is accurate, it would have a range of 2,500-5,000km, putting almost all of Europe within its reach.
US officials, however, have expressed scepticism. They argue that a missile launch of this nature would typically trigger nuclear alerts in Washington, raising doubts about the exact specifications and purpose of the Oreshnik.
Putin has positioned the Oreshnik as a critical advancement for Russia’s military arsenal. He stated, “The development of this new missile system is vital as we face new threats.” While the missile’s capabilities remain under scrutiny, its announcement signals Russia’s intent to strengthen its position in global defence technology.
As the international community analyses this development, the Oreshnik adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical tensions surrounding Russia’s military activities.
