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In the current global landscape marked by escalating tensions, Russia has announced a significant strategic shift. President Vladimir Putin has ordered the mass production of a new hypersonic missile named Oreshnik. With the capability to reach a staggering speed of Mach 10, this intermediate-range missile is poised to become one of the most formidable elements of the Russian arsenal. More than just a weapon, Oreshnik signifies a new phase in the modernization of the Russian military and poses a technological challenge at the heart of a fragile geopolitical balance.
The Technological Powerhouse of Oreshnik
Unveiled during a live-fire exercise in November 2024 against a target in Ukraine, the Oreshnik missile represents a leap in military technology. Classified as an Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM), it is mobile and powered by solid propulsion. With a range of approximately 3,420 miles, it can strike targets across Europe, a significant portion of Asia, and even beyond. Oreshnik’s payload can reach up to 2,200 pounds, accommodating either conventional or nuclear explosives.
One of the most impressive aspects of Oreshnik is its speed. Surpassing the threshold of Mach 10, equivalent to over 7,500 miles per hour, it is incredibly challenging to intercept. The missile can be equipped with multiple reentry vehicles (MRVs) or a single maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV), allowing it to alter its trajectory in the terminal phase to evade anti-missile defenses. This makes Oreshnik not only a technological marvel but also a strategic asset in modern warfare.
Precision and Autonomous Navigation
The Oreshnik missile combines an inertial guidance system, based on acceleration and initial position, with satellite guidance, achieving a precision known as Circular Error Probable (CEP) estimated between 33 and 66 feet. In other words, Oreshnik can hit a strategic target with a minimal margin of error—a level of accuracy that few ballistic missiles worldwide can claim. This precision makes it a formidable tool in the hands of the Russian military, enhancing the effectiveness of its strategic operations.
This advanced navigation system underscores the autonomous capabilities of Oreshnik, making it a significant player in the realm of modern warfare. The missile’s ability to navigate and adjust its course independently not only enhances its operational success but also signals a shift towards more autonomous and technologically sophisticated military strategies.
A Political and Military Statement
President Putin has not hidden the strategic importance of this weapon. In a speech at the Kremlin, he emphasized that Oreshnik is integral to Russia’s new armament plan for 2027–2036, aiming to modernize the entire armed forces. This plan also includes the production of modernized Tu-160M strategic bombers, strengthening the nuclear forces with Yars ICBMs, and constructing new submarines and ships equipped with long-range precision weapons.
Reflecting the changing times, the Russian president also announced the creation of a division dedicated to drone operations—proof that autonomous and digital warfare is becoming a cornerstone of the Kremlin’s military doctrine. This comprehensive approach to modernizing the Russian military showcases the country’s commitment to maintaining its strategic edge in an increasingly competitive global arena.
A Response to NATO and the United States?
The deployment of the Oreshnik missile is not an isolated action. Since the withdrawal of the United States and Russia from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019, both powers are no longer restricted in developing such weapons. Russia asserts that Oreshnik is a response to the increasing deployment of long-range missiles by the United States, particularly in Europe and the Pacific.
For Moscow, this missile serves both as a deterrent and a strategic negotiating lever. Vladimir Putin has criticized NATO’s attitude, accusing the alliance of militarizing tensions and fueling an arms race that could lead to a “strategic miscalculation.” This rhetoric highlights the complex dynamics at play in the current geopolitical landscape, where strategic weapons serve both as tools of power and negotiation.
A Global Hypersonic Race
Russia is not alone in this race. The United States, China, India, and even North Korea are actively developing hypersonic missiles. The main advantage of these weapons is their ability to evade current defense systems, which struggle to track changing trajectories at such extreme speeds. The development of Oreshnik aligns with a global trend towards faster, more precise, and harder-to-detect and intercept missiles.
These weapons are reshaping military balances and making deterrence more unstable than ever. As nations strive to maintain their strategic advantages, the implications of this hypersonic arms race extend far beyond national borders. The question remains: how will this rapid advancement in military technology impact global peace and security in the coming years?
Did you like it? 4.5/5 (26)
Est-ce que ce missile est vraiment indétectable ? Ça fait un peu peur 😟
Wow, Mach 10 ! On dirait que la Russie ne plaisante pas avec la vitesse.