In a major escalation of the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the mass production of the newly developed hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile, following its successful test launch on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro earlier this week. Putin’s directive marks a significant shift in Russia’s weaponry strategy, as the country seeks to expand its arsenal of advanced military technologies.
During a televised meeting with military leaders on Friday, Putin revealed that further tests of the Oreshnik missile will continue, with a focus on deploying the weapon in “combat conditions.” He emphasized that these tests will proceed based on Russia’s security needs, given the changing nature of the conflict and the threats it faces.
“This is a new-generation missile, capable of flying at speeds of Mach 10—10 times the speed of sound. We need to begin serial production,” Putin stated. He described the missile as a crucial asset for Russia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, praising its remarkable strength and power. “No other country in the world has this kind of missile technology at the moment,” he added, though he acknowledged that other nations might develop similar systems in the near future.
The missile’s deployment comes in response to the use of U.S. and U.K.-supplied missiles by Ukrainian forces on Russian soil, a significant development in the conflict that Putin directly linked to the firing of the Oreshnik missile. The missile’s launch on Thursday at Dnipro marked a sharp escalation in the intensity of Russia’s attacks, underscoring the growing stakes of the war, now entering its third year.
The Oreshnik missile is part of a broader effort by Russia to develop cutting-edge weaponry that can outpace international defense systems. The Kremlin’s decision to accelerate the production of the missile and other advanced weapon systems underscores its continued commitment to asserting military dominance despite international sanctions and increasing military support for Ukraine.
Experts suggest that the decision to mass-produce the hypersonic missile signals a new phase in Russia’s military operations, with an emphasis on technological superiority. This announcement further heightens tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the broader international community, which continues to navigate the implications of the ongoing war.
As the conflict continues, the development and deployment of such high-tech weaponry could redefine the nature of warfare in the coming years, raising concerns about the potential for even more devastating attacks on both sides of the frontlines. The global community now faces the challenge of responding to Russia’s technological advancements and the growing risks posed by the conflict.
Sources By Agencies
