Missile Debris Proves Russia’s Oreshnik Is Far From Being 'Cutting-Edge' Technology

An analysis of the debris from the medium-range ballistic missile Oreshnik, used by Russia in its November 21 attack on Dnipro, challenges Vladimir Putin’s claims that the missile represents cutting-edge technology, Ukrainian media outlet Defense Express reported on December 23.

Analysts have discovered that a component of the Oreshnik missile carries a serial number and production date of April 12, 2017. This suggests that the missile was assembled between 2017 and 2018 and has likely been stored in a warehouse for an extended period.

In 2017, Russia had plans to commence serial production of the RS-26 Rubezh, believed to be the actual designation of the Oreshnik. However, in March 2018, Moscow reportedly decided to cancel the deployment of the RS-26.

“This also means the development of Oreshnik began much earlier since the 2017 date reflects the production of a specific component. The design process likely started in the early 2010s, if not earlier,” analysts stated.

Defense Express found that the missile component bears the index “EFIT 302811.002,” linked to the Russian Rocket and Space Corporation NPTSAP, which operates under Roscosmos.

The NPTSAP enterprise specializes in developing control systems for rocket complexes such as Zenit, Proton-M, and Fregat booster blocks. It has also created control systems for intercontinental missiles like the Topol-M and its modernized variants.

NPTSAP could be responsible for supplying the control system for the Oreshnik missile, including the entire missile, its warhead separation unit, or the final stage of the missile. Analysts believe that Russia adopted a modular approach in developing the Oreshnik missile, combining elements from intercontinental missiles such as Yars, a modernization of the Topol missile.

“Ultimately, the existence of a functional control system for a medium-range ballistic missile in Russia as early as 2017 further proves that the Kremlin actively violated the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with the United States, not only through the development of missiles for the Iskander system but also with this project,” analysts noted.

Defense Express emphasized that the analysis of the missile debris remains ongoing, and further findings are expected to shed light on the missile’s origins and production timeline.

Earlier, Putin after explaining why Oreshnik missiles are invulnerable to NATO air and missile defense proposed a 21st-century ‘high-tech duel’ over Kyiv to test Western missile defense systems against Russia’s Oreshnik.

Ukrainian President reacted to this statement of the Russian leader, calling him a “dumbass.”