Anna Hartz
Missile technology has become a key focus in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Analysts around the world are studying every detail to understand the weapons Russia uses and the threats they pose. Recent investigations have examined the Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile, which has raised questions about its capabilities.
How It Functions
Russian military analysts now report that the Oreshnik missile does not have a MIRV system, according to WP. MIRV stands for Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle. It allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads aimed at different targets.
Without MIRV, the missile cannot strike several locations at once. This finding comes from an analysis of missile debris recovered after an attack in Ukraine’s Lviv region.
United24Media reports that the recovered components show the missile has a sealed instrument compartment and an orientation system that uses reactive gases. These parts help stabilize the warhead, but they do not guide it. Experts note that these features are similar to other missiles made by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering.
Between 1,250 Kilograms and 3,000 Kilograms
Leaked information shows that Oreshnik could carry six warheads. Each warhead contains six submunitions, giving the missile a potential total of 36 cluster elements. Analysts estimate that the total payload weighs between 1,250 kilograms and 3,000 kilograms.
Each warhead weighs around 400 kilograms and is likely built for high-speed kinetic impact rather than explosive blasts. The missile is thought to reach speeds above Mach 11. Some analysts question whether all warheads can survive the stresses of atmospheric reentry.
Earlier reports showed a recording of the Oreshnik launch in 2024. Journalists noted that some of the components, like a printed circuit board with an electron tube and a gyroscope, were similar to technology from the era of Gagarin’s space flights. Some production codes date back to 2018, suggesting the parts were reused from earlier Russian weapons programs.
Experts continue to study the missile’s range, design, and effectiveness. It is believed that Oreshnik could reach up to 4,100 kilometers. The information sheds light on the capabilities of Russian missile programs and the challenges faced in countering them. Analysts warn that while Oreshnik is advanced, it may still have limitations that affect its operational performance.
