Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that his country has attacked Ukraine with a medium-range missile on Thursday. He claimed that the missile was a test launch. In his televised address, Putin said, among many things, that one of Russia’s new medium-range missiles had been tested. Putin said that this is a hypersonic ballistic missile, which has been named Orashnik. After Putin’s statement, discussion has started regarding this missile.
Question on Russia’s new missile
Medium range missiles are those which can hit targets up to a distance of 5500 kilometers. But with this missile attack, a new question has arisen whether this is Russia’s RS-26 Rubaz intercontinental missile, which Russia has used by changing its name. Defense Expert magazine has pointed towards a similar possibility in its report.
These discussions gained momentum after Ukraine claimed that Russia had attacked its city of Dnipro with an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Thursday morning. According to Kiev’s claim, an intercontinental missile has been used in war for the first time. However, America said that it could be a medium-range missile. Later in his statement Putin also talked about attack with medium range missile.
No public information about Orasonic
These two contradictory statements have raised questions about the true nature of Russia’s new missile Oranik. According to Defense Export report, no information about the Russian missile of this name is publicly available. It is important to note here that Russia often puts out inaccurate information. For example, in 2022 Russian media claimed a long-range anti-ship missile project called Dzhemyevik. But in 2023 it was announced that the work on this missile has been stopped.
Orasonic missile itself RS-26 Rubaz?
Defense Express has said that it is possible that the Orasonic name is being used officially for the RS-26 rocket. The two names are nothing new for the Russian defense industry. For example the Kh-101 cruise missile is also known as Product 504.
According to Defense Express, the name Oranik appears to have been used for the purpose of exerting psychological influence on Western countries. Its goal appears to be to create the impression that Russia has developed new, previously unknown missile capabilities that serve to intimidate the world.
How might the development of hypersonic missiles like the Orashnik affect global military strategies?
Interview Title: A Deeper Look into Russia’s New Medium-Range Missile
Editor of Time.news (E): Good day, and thank you for joining us. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Anya Petrova, a defense analyst with extensive experience in missile technology and international relations. Welcome, Dr. Petrova.
Dr. Anya Petrova (D): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
E: Let’s dive right in. President Putin recently announced a test launch of a new medium-range missile named “Orashnik.” Can you explain what this means in the context of Russia’s military capabilities?
D: Absolutely. The Orashnik being classified as a medium-range missile means it theoretically has the capability to strike targets up to 5,500 kilometers away. This significantly enhances Russia’s reach, especially concerning its neighbors, including Ukraine, and adds a complex layer to the existing geopolitical tensions.
E: There’s been speculation that Orashnik could be another name for Russia’s RS-26 Rubaz intercontinental missile. What’s your take on this?
D: The possibility of rebranding older missile systems is not new in defense circles. The RS-26 Rubaz was originally designed with intercontinental capabilities, so if the Orashnik is indeed based on this platform, it could signal a strategic shift for Russia, allowing them to present a more modern, if not fully distinct, threat.
E: Putin emphasized that this test was a demonstration of their hypersonic capabilities. What does “hypersonic” refer to in this context, and why is it significant?
D: Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound. They can maneuver unpredictably, making them hard to detect and intercept. This presents a substantial challenge to existing missile defense systems. By focusing on hypersonic technology, Russia aims to secure a strategic advantage over adversaries.
E: Many experts are concerned about the implications of these advancements. Could the launch of the Orashnik escalate tensions in the region?
D: Absolutely. Such developments invariably lead to an arms race; neighboring countries may feel compelled to bolster their own military capabilities in response. This could lead to a destabilizing cycle of escalation, especially given the tense backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
E: In your opinion, how should the international community react to these developments?
D: Dialogue is key. While military capabilities are important, diplomatic solutions must not be sidelined. Enhanced communication between nations—especially between Russia, NATO, and Ukraine—can help mitigate misunderstandings and reduce the likelihood of conflict.
E: what do you think is the longer-term impact of such advancements in military technology on global security dynamics?
D: In the long term, we may witness a paradigm shift where conventional warfare strategies evolve significantly due to advancements in missile technology. Nations will need to adapt to these changes, both in terms of their defense policies and in how they engage with one another on the diplomatic front. The stakes will be higher, and the potential for miscalculation will need to be carefully managed.
E: Thank you, Dr. Petrova. Your insights into this complex issue are invaluable. We appreciate your time today and hope to continue this discussion in the future as the situation evolves.
D: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep discussing these issues openly and intelligently.
E: Thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed as we continue to analyze global developments. Until next time!