Russia’s Oreshnik Missile: Hypersonic Threat and Strategic Implications

Ottawa, January 9, 2026 – Russia’s Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, first used in combat in November 2024, represents a significant advancement in hypersonic weaponry, challenging global defence systems and reshaping strategic balances in Europe and beyond.

Development and History

The Oreshnik, named after the Russian word for “hazel shrub,” emerged as a derivative of the RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile programme, which was mothballed in 2018. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced its entry into production in August 2025, following successful combat testing. The missile was developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology, drawing on technologies from the RS-24 Yars and Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missiles. Its first operational use occurred on November 21, 2024, striking the Pivdenmash facility in Dnipro, Ukraine, from the Kapustin Yar test site. This strike, described as a “successful test,” carried inert warheads and aimed to demonstrate Russia’s response to Western-supplied long-range missiles used against Russian targets.

Capabilities and Challenges

The Oreshnik is characterized by hypersonic speeds exceeding Mach 10, reaching up to 3.4 km/s, making interception difficult. It carries multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), each with submunitions, enabling it to strike multiple targets simultaneously. With a range of 1,000 to 5,500 km, it can reach most of Europe within minutes. However, experts note its experimental nature, with accuracy sufficient for nuclear payloads but less reliable for conventional ones. The missile’s MIRV technology, previously exclusive to nuclear systems, poses challenges for defences like Ukraine’s Patriot systems or Israel’s Arrow 3. Russian officials claim it can penetrate any anti-ballistic missile defence, though Western analysts suggest it incorporates mostly repurposed technology with limited new components.

Deployment and Strategic Role

By December 2025, Russia deployed Oreshnik missiles to Belarus, placing them on combat duty at a former airbase near Krichev. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated that up to 10 systems would be stationed there, under Russian Strategic Missile Forces control but with Belarus determining targets. This deployment, part of Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine, extends its reach into Europe, compressing NATO response times. The missile serves as a tool for intimidation, signaling Russia’s willingness to escalate without immediate nuclear use. Experts view it as a response to NATO’s plans to deploy U.S. Typhon systems in Germany, potentially sparking a new arms race in intermediate-range missiles.

Key Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Oreshnik missile?

The Oreshnik is a Russian intermediate-range ballistic missile designed for hypersonic flight, capable of carrying multiple warheads to overwhelm defences. It was first tested in combat against Ukraine in 2024 and has since been deployed to Belarus.

How does it differ from other Russian missiles?

Unlike slower cruise missiles like the Kinzhal or Iskander, the Oreshnik achieves hypersonic speeds in the terminal phase, making it harder to intercept. Its MIRV capability is unique among non-nuclear systems, allowing simultaneous strikes on multiple targets.

What are the implications for NATO?

The Oreshnik threatens to saturate European missile defences, forcing NATO to invest in advanced interceptors. Its deployment in Belarus brings Russian nuclear-capable systems closer to NATO borders, heightening tensions and potentially leading to an arms race.