Russia’s New Oreshnik  Ballistic Missile 

On November 21, the Russian hypersonic missiles were launched, named a the Oreshnik, at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. The missile’s design and its impact has sparked debate among military experts that question its tech capabilities. 

The new Russian Hypersonic missiles, carry six warheads, drew significant attention after Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed it as an “unstoppable” hypersonic weapon. 

Avangard Russia Hypersonic Missile 

The Oreshnik hypersonic missiles in Russia, is an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), derived from the RS-26, a system that was tested but never entered service. 

Putin claims that this missile is a new hypersonic technology, and many experts revealed this range of Russian hypersonic missile contains well-established technologies, like the Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) system. 

This system is usually seen in intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and allows multiple warheads to be dropped at separate targets from a single missile. 

The MIRV bus – which carries the warheads – detaches from the missile booster, uses onboard guidance systems to orient, and drops warheads on ballistic trajectories toward their targets. The Russian hypersonic missiles follow this method of delivery raise significant questions about Russia’s new missile strategy.  

Jeffrey Lewis, a nonproliferation expert at the Middlebury Institute, pointed out that the missile’s core design is based on old technology, only now being used in a new configuration. 

Despite the hype of advanced and how fast is Russia’s hypersonic missile, there was a lot of damage when it struck Dnipro.  

On the other hand, Ukrainian officials confirmed that when Russia fires hypersonic missiles it did not contain explosives, making it more of a psychological weapon rather than one with massive destructive power. 

The missile’s impact was limited, with the largest pieces of wreckage being the MIRV bus and associated electronics, including guidance systems and fuel tanks. Experts noted the high reentry speed alone could cause a lot of damage upon impact, without explosives. 

International Community’s Reaction 

After the strike, US officials confirmed Russia had notified Washington before launching the Oreshnik to reduce the risk of misconception, as such strikes could be perceived as nuclear attacks due to the missile’s ballistic nature. 

Although the missile targeted military facilities, using a conventional warhead in an IRBM raises questions about its effectiveness. 

The Oreshnik Russian hypersonic missiles are capable of delivering precise strikes but is an expensive option to deliver limited destruction.  

According to William Alberque, a defense expert, similar US plans for non-nuclear ICBMs were abandoned due to the high cost and risk of misinterpretation in a conflict scenario. 

Final Thoughts 

The new Russian hypersonic missiles, a revamped version of older technology, have drawn significant attention. The limited impact in Ukraine, combined with the psychological effects, suggests they serve more as a warning rather than change the course of the war. 

As the conflict continues, military experts will be observing closely to see if this Russian missile design evolves or proves to be more of a symbolic gesture than a true military game-changer, however, the debate continues over its technological capabilities. 

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