12. January 2026
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Ukrainian Experts Say Russia’s Oreshnik Missile Uses Outdated Technology Despite Hypersonic Claims
Ukrainian weapons analysts examining debris from Russia’s Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile have concluded that key components of the weapon are based on older technology, challenging Moscow’s claims of cutting-edge design. The findings come after the missile was used in recent strikes against Ukrainian territory, including near the western city of Lviv.
Quick Insight:
Despite being promoted by Russian officials as a hypersonic and advanced weapon, Ukrainian experts say remnants of the missile suggest it incorporates legacy systems rather than fully modern digital guidance and control technologies.
What Ukrainian Analysts Found
• Examination of missile fragments recovered in Ukraine revealed inertial guidance components that appear to rely on **analogue gyroscopes and vacuum tube systems**, technologies more commonly associated with earlier generations of missile design.
• One expert compared parts of the guidance system to equipment used in historic space missions, underscoring their outdated nature.
• The findings suggest that the missile’s navigation and control may not be as sophisticated as implied by Russian military statements.
Context of the Oreshnik Strike
• Russia has deployed the Oreshnik missile in attacks against Ukraine, including strikes near **Lviv close to the NATO border**, claiming it is a strategic deterrent and a response to Ukrainian actions.
• Independent analysis indicates the weapon can travel at hypersonic speeds — over ten times the speed of sound — but its guidance and electronics may not match that performance.
• The missile has been described as derived from previous ballistic designs and may reuse legacy components rather than representing a wholly new system.
Implications for Military Assessments
• Ukrainian experts’ conclusions suggest that the Oreshnik’s threat may be overstated due to its older-generation hardware, though its sheer speed and range still pose difficulties for air defenses.
• Analysts also emphasize that hype around new weapons can serve political and psychological objectives beyond battlefield effectiveness.
• Understanding the true capabilities and limitations of such systems is crucial for defense planning and strategic responses.
Final Thoughts
The assessment by Ukrainian specialists that parts of Russia’s Oreshnik missile are built on outdated technology highlights the complexity of modern warfare narratives. While the weapon’s hypersonic speed and ballistic range are significant, the reliance on older guidance components may temper some claims about its sophistication. Accurate analysis of emerging weapons remains essential for planning defense and maintaining stability amid ongoing conflict.
