After US officials repeatedly dismissed the capabilities of Russia’s new medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile, “Oreshnik,” Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested a “high-tech duel” to showcase the missile’s capabilities and confirm its effectiveness against Western air defense systems. 

Speaking during a press conference on December 19, Putin invited Western powers to choose a target in Kyiv, concentrate all their air defense forces there, and attempt to intercept the missile strike.

“If they doubt the Oreshnik (Hazel), let them suggest a target for us to hit, maybe something in Kyiv,” Putin declared. “They can concentrate all their air defense and missile defense forces there, and we will strike. Let’s see what happens. We are ready for such an experiment.” 

Putin asserted that the Oreshnik is a state-of-the-art weapon, describing it as “modern, very new” and part of Russia’s advanced military technology. He explained that the missile can outmaneuver existing air defense systems, including those stationed in NATO countries. 

“Let’s imagine that our system (Hazel) stands at a distance of two thousand kilometers. Even the anti-missiles located in Poland won’t reach it,” Putin said. “In a few seconds, we begin to separate warheads. And that’s it — the train left. So there is no chance to shoot down these missiles.” 

The Russian president also revealed that the missile system was based on prior Russian systems but with major advancements. 

He noted his involvement in the decision-making process concerning the missile’s production, adding that he had a hand in determining its development timeline and operational scale. 

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Meanwhile, regarding the potential supply of the THAAD air defense system to Ukraine by the United States, Putin stated that Russia would have its personnel in Ukraine monitor the new system.

“If the Americans decide to supply, let them deliver, let them supply THAAD. These are more modern, well, somewhat similar to our S-400. If Patriot can be correlated with the S-300, then THAAD is somewhat like the S-400; they have slightly weaker characteristics, but in general, like the S-400.

“Hazel” Escapes Satellite Detection 

On November 21, President Vladimir Putin announced that the Russian Armed Forces had successfully deployed the latest medium-range ballistic missile, “Oreshnik,” in a non-nuclear version and targeted Ukraine’s Yuzhmash plant in Dnipro. 

This strike was carried out in retaliation for attacks on Russian military facilities in the Kursk and Bryansk regions, which had been launched using British and American missiles. 

Since then, the Russian President has consistently depicted the missile as immune to Western air defense systems. He further stated that a simultaneous launch of multiple Oreshnik missiles could result in destruction comparable to that of a nuclear strike. 

A Russian expert has also explained why the missile is so difficult to intercept. Military analyst Igor Korotchenko, editor-in-chief of National Defense magazine, explained that the moment of launch for the “Oreshnik” is virtually undetectable by the enemy, particularly because it cannot be tracked by satellite reconnaissance. 

He described one of the missile’s key features as its extremely brief active phase—the period during launch when the missile is accelerating and most vulnerable to interception.

However, the Oreshnik could be launched from an unexpected location, which makes it difficult for the enemy to pinpoint its position. This is possible due to the missile’s mobility and the use of operational camouflage and secrecy measures, which prevent its location from being detected by satellite surveillance systems.

Once launched, the missile ascends into near space, following a ballistic trajectory. Korotchenko further explained that during its flight, the warheads separate, and each one independently targets and strikes its programmed objective. 

Each warhead is equipped with its own propulsion system, which allows it to perform anti-missile maneuvers, making it highly resistant to interception, even by advanced defense systems like the US strategic missile defense system.  

Given its range of up to 5,500 kilometers, as stated by Putin during a press conference, the missile poses a particular threat to NATO member countries in Europe, falling within its strike zone.

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