Ukrainian investigation debunks Russian missile modernity claims
Ukrainians have examined the Oresznik missile, which the Russian Federation used to strike Dnipro on 21 November, 2024. Experts discovered serial numbers and production dates for some components of the missile. These indicate that parts of the Oresznik date back over seven years.
The examination of the Oresznik missile remnants, used by Russia in the attack on Dnipro on 21 November, revealed that Russian claims of the weapon's modernity are unfounded. A serial number and production date were found on one of the parts, showing that the component dates back to 12 April, 2017.
Technical details of the missile
It's important to recall that the Oresznik missile fell on Dnipro on 21 November. It is now clear that the new Russian ballistic missile, which was supposedly used to intimidate the world, was equipped with multiple warheads, but none contained explosives. Consequently, the missile caused little damage. However, Ukrainians examined the missile and, upon inspecting its construction components, determined that the ammunition is not a modern weapon but rather equipment made at least seven years ago.
This discovery suggests that Oresznik was assembled between 2017 and 2018, challenging claims of its modernity. Photos from the investigation were obtained by the Ukrainian portal Defense Express from reliable sources, showing one of the elements produced in 2017. Analysts note that this year of production coincides with the Russian Federation's 2017 plans to start producing the R-26 Rubież missile, which may be the true identity of Oresznik. In March 2018, Moscow allegedly abandoned plans to introduce the R-26 into their arsenal.
Defense Express also highlights the designation on the part of the Oresznik missile - "EFIT 302811.002". Analysts have linked these markings to the Russian enterprise NPTsAP, which supplies control systems for missiles.
NPTsAP is a division of "Roskosmos" that is responsible for control systems for the Zenit and Proton-M missiles. This suggests that NPTsAP also supplies systems for Oresznik. It is speculated that Oresznik is assembled from components of the Yars missile, representing a modernisation of Topol.
The specifications of the Oresznik missiles remain unknown. However, assuming it is a construction identical to the RS-26 system, the missile's launch weight may reach 40 to 50 tonnes. The range of the ammunition can be up to 3,700 miles, while the standard equipment includes four warheads with a yield of 300 kilotons each.
