Russia Begins Serial Production Oreshnik Missiles Deploying Belarus

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the start of serial production of the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile system, which has already been delivered to Russian military units and is planned for deployment in Belarus. The missile, reportedly capable of speeds up to Mach 11 and ranges up to 5,500 km, can carry nuclear or conventional warheads and is considered a modernized version of the RS-26 Rubezh. Putin revealed that Belarusian and Russian military specialists have jointly determined deployment locations, with preparations underway and completion expected by the end of the year. Despite Putin’s assertions, Ukrainian sources and the Center for Counteracting Disinformation have highlighted that some test launches of the Oreshnik have failed, casting doubt on the missile’s operational reliability. The missile system was first used in combat in November 2024, following the development as a response to Ukrainian strikes involving American and British missiles targeting Russian territory. The deployment of the Oreshnik missile system is seen as a potential escalation in regional tensions.