Disputed Russian Rocket ‘missile-response-to-global-phase-and-missile-strikes-in-ukraine/” title=”Ukraine war latest: Russia suffers 'record daily losses …”>Russia's New Missile Response to 'Global Phase' and Missile Strikes in Ukraine”>Oreshnik‘: Not New, Likely Produced in 2017
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claims about the recent ‘Oreshnik’ (Acorn) hypersonic missile, struck in Dnipro, Ukraine, have been disputed by experts. Analysis of debris and confirmed information suggest it was not a ‘recent’ development, but a product of 2017-2018.
Ukrainian military analysts have found that a component of the missile dated back to 2017. This discovery prompts questions about Putin’s narrative that the weapon was novel. Moreover, it suggests the missile has been in existence for years, challenging Russia’s assertions of recent, cutting-edge capabilities.
Defence Express, citing Ukrainian experts, notes that the creation of the ‘Oreshnik’ stretch back to the early 2010s or even earlier. Notably, the component produced in 2017 bears the seal of Russia’s National Defense Control Center, implying state involvement in its production.
"Oreshnik" contains systems originating from Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, which is part of the Roscosmos state corporation. This particular facility was previously associated with the development of management systems for both civilian and military rockets, including long-range ballistic missiles. The revelation raises questions about Russia’s commitment to its international treaty obligations, specifically the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.
Moscow’s claim about the weapon being a recent development further calls into question its compliance with international agreements. Since the sophistication of the ‘Oreshnik’ dates back to around 2017, it is difficult to reconcile with Putin’s recent statements.
This revelation adds complexity to the ongoing diplomatic and military issues in Eastern Europe. We are at an impasse where massive geopolitical implications depend on discerning fact from spun information.
Disclaimer: The accuracy of this article depends on the validity of the reported findings and claims made by Ukrainian military experts and the Defence Express publication.
