Putin Announces Continued Combat Testing of New Oreshnik Hypersonic Missile

Moscow, Nov 22, 2024 – Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday that Russia would continue testing its newly developed Oreshnik hypersonic missile in combat, with a stockpile ready for immediate deployment. Putin’s remarks came a day after Russia launched the advanced intermediate-range missile at Ukrainian targets for the first time, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

The Oreshnik missile, capable of hypersonic speeds, is part of Russia’s broader efforts to strengthen its military capabilities in the face of what it claims are provocative actions by Ukraine. Putin explained that the missile’s combat use was a response to Ukraine’s deployment of U.S.-made ballistic missiles and British-supplied cruise missiles against Russian positions.

In response to this new development, Ukrainian officials announced they are already working on advanced air defense systems aimed at countering the hypersonic threat. Ukrainian military experts have indicated that countering such advanced weaponry would be a priority as the war continues to evolve.

The use of the Oreshnik missile signals a new phase in Russia’s military strategy, underscoring the growing technological arms race between Moscow and Kyiv as the conflict intensifies. Both sides continue to seek technological advancements to gain the upper hand in the war, with the future of missile defense and countermeasures taking center stage in the ongoing arms race.

As tensions mount, the world watches closely, with concerns over the potential for further escalation and the consequences of such advanced weaponry being deployed on the battlefield.