Russia's Oreshnik missile: Western tech fuels new claims
The Russian Oreshnik missile was developed using advanced manufacturing equipment sourced from Western companies, writes the "Financial Times." Vladimir Putin claimed it is the most modern missile, supposedly invincible even against the latest air defense systems.
Recall that the Oreshnik missile landed on Dnipro on November 21. It is now known that Russia's new ballistic missile had multiple warheads but did not contain explosives.
Vladimir Putin described the missile as a response to Ukraine's use of American and British weapons to attack deeper into Russian territories.
Ukrainian intelligence indicated that the Oreshnik missile was developed by two major Russian weapons engineering institutes: the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology (MITT) and the Concern Sozvezdiye.
According to the "Financial Times," in 2024, both facilities sought new employees with experience operating German and Japanese metal processing systems. Job listings mentioned control systems by Fanuc (Japan), Siemens, and Heidenhain (both based in Germany) for precision numerically controlled machines essential for missile production.
Despite sanctions, Russia still acquires Western components
Although sanctions have slowed the flow of such equipment, "Financial Times" analysis revealed that in 2024, Heidenhain components worth at least $3 million were sent to Russia. Some buyers were closely linked to military production.
Although Putin announced plans for mass production of Oreshnik missiles, a U.S. official told "The Kyiv Independent" that Russia most likely possesses only a small number of these experimental missiles.
The USA was aware of the Oreshnik attack
Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) reported that Russia used the Kedr ballistic missile to attack Dnipro on November 21, 2024.
Initially, Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia used an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of carrying nuclear payloads. However, later, the USA clarified it was an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM).
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that 30 minutes before launching the medium-range ballistic "Oreshnik" missile, the Russian Federation sent the United States an automatic notification via the Nuclear Risk Reduction Center. The White House confirmed this information.
