Russia has a stockpile of Oreshnik missiles – Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that Russia has a stockpile of the new Oreshnik medium-range missiles, following its successful combat test on Thusday.

Speaking at a meeting on Friday with the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and defense industry representatives at the Kremlin, Putin congratulated the military for the successful first use of the Oreshnik (Hazel, in English) missile, calling it a significant achievement. “The Oreshnik test was a success, I congratulate you,” he stated.

Putin explained that the missile system will continue to undergo testing, including in combat conditions, based on security needs.

”The tests will continue, especially since we have enough of these weapons for the duration of this phase,”  he added, confirming that the Oreshnik is set to enter serial production.

The president emphasized that the Oreshnik is not a modernization of Soviet-era weapons, but a new development created in post-Soviet Russia.

“As you know, no one in the world has such a weapon yet,” Putin said. “Other countries are working on similar developments, but they will not have this system for at least another year or two. And we already have it today. This is an important advantage.”

Putin also highlighted the missile’s advanced capabilities, claiming that it currently has no counterparts in terms of countermeasures or interception. “There are no means to counteract or intercept such a missile in the world today,” he stated.

While the Oreshnik missile is not classified as a “strategic” weapon or a means of mass destruction, Putin acknowledged that its precision and destructive power make it a valuable asset. As such, the missile will be included in Russia's Strategic Missile Forces.

The first combat use was when it struck Ukrainian defense facility in Dnepropetrovsk, on Thursday. The strike was part of Russia's response to Ukraine’s use of long-range Western missiles against Russian regions, inside the pre-2014 borders.

Putin concluded that Russia will continue to refine and develop the missile system, as it plays a key role in Russia’s defense strategy. “The Oreshnik is a unique weapon, and we will continue to test and deploy it as needed to secure our country,” he said.