Official announcements from other countries or credible defense news sources

Putin: Russia to Mass-Produce Interception-Proof 'Oreshnik' Missile for Strategic Rocket Forces

Nov 22, 2024, 04:47 PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia has successfully tested the new "Oreshnik" missile system, a high-precision weapon that cannot be intercepted by any existing defense systems. Putin congratulated the military leadership and missile developers on the successful test, stating that the decision has been made to begin serial production of the missile, which will be delivered to the Strategic Rocket Forces. The "Oreshnik," which translates to "Hazel," is a new development and not a modernization of old Soviet systems. Putin emphasized that developing such systems is vital as Russia faces new threats, and that the country will continue testing hypersonic ballistic missiles, including in combat conditions and depending on threats to its security. He added that the "Oreshnik" system, when used on a massive scale against enemy targets, will be comparable to strategic weaponry. Russia has a stockpile of these missiles and is working on a whole line of medium- and shorter-range missiles undergoing testing. Putin asserted that no other country possesses such a weapon, and that the "Oreshnik" system will serve as a reliable guarantor of Russia's territorial integrity.