In a jaw-dropping revelation that’s sent shockwaves across the globe, Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that Russia’s Oreshnik hypersonic missile can deliver destruction on par with nuclear weapons—without using nukes.

“No nukes needed—just Russian engineering,”
Putin asserted on June 2, 2025, igniting intense discussions in global defense and intelligence communities.

This bold claim underscores Russia’s technological leap in hypersonic warfare and could mark a defining shift in modern military deterrence strategy.

What is the Oreshnik Missile?

Named after the Russian word for “hazelnut tree”, the Oreshnik is an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) capable of traveling at Mach 10—an astonishing speed of over 12,380 km/h. First used in combat against Dnipro, Ukraine, on November 21, 2024, this hypersonic weapon is nearly impossible to intercept with current air defense systems.

Key Features:

• Speed: Mach 10+
• Range: Up to 3,418 miles (5,500 km)
• Payload: Capable of carrying multiple warheads—conventional or nuclear
• Impact Heat: Temperatures on impact may exceed 4,000°C
• Accuracy: High-precision targeting of command centers, airfields, and bunkers

Putin claims that when deployed in large numbers, the Oreshnik’s conventional warheads can match the destructive impact of a nuclear strike—a chilling prospect for adversaries.

A New Era in Russian Military Power

Putin’s announcement, amplified on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), signals Russia’s growing confidence in its military engineering prowess.

“One launch could end it all,”
he proclaimed, suggesting that coordinated Oreshnik attacks could devastate entire regions—rendering traditional nuclear deterrents obsolete.

Social media users have dubbed the Oreshnik “metal lightning” and “Thor’s Hammer”, reflecting both awe and alarm.

Why This Matters for Global Security

The Oreshnik has already prompted widespread concern among NATO and global powers. In December 2024, Putin challenged Western militaries to a “high-tech duel,” daring them to stop the Oreshnik—a dare that remains unmet.

Its:

• Speed
• Stealth
• Maneuverability

…pose a serious threat to NATO’s forward bases and even U.S. aircraft carriers. Russia plans to mass-produce the missile in 2025 and deploy it to Belarus, further raising geopolitical tensions.
Read more on Politico

Russia’s Strategic Message to the West

The Oreshnik was introduced following Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles to strike inside Russian territory. With this weapon, Putin is sending a message loud and clear: Russia has the means to retaliate—decisively and devastatingly.

Critics argue this may be bluster aimed at deterring further Western involvement in Ukraine. Still, defense analysts across the globe admit: the missile’s capabilities are real—and dangerous.

“It renders most U.S. air defenses outdated,”
a former NATO strategist told Masala Mirror.

Challenges in Mass Production

Despite the hype, producing large numbers of these advanced missiles poses a serious challenge for Russia. Experts have cited:

• Bureaucratic inefficiencies
• Supply chain disruptions
• Technological bottlenecks

Even so, Putin’s December 16, 2024 statement—”Serial production will begin shortly”—indicates an aggressive push forward.
Source: Newsweek

What’s Next?

As Russia prepares to equip its allies with the Oreshnik, tensions are expected to rise. The missile’s nuclear capability—combined with Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine in November 2024 that lowered the threshold for response—raises fears of miscalculation or rapid escalation.

For countries like India, the emergence of such technologies signals a need to:

• Rethink defense policies
• Invest in hypersonic countermeasures
• Monitor alliances and regional arms races

Stay Ahead with NRI Globe

The Oreshnik isn’t just a missile—it’s a technological flex and a geopolitical warning. As global power structures shift, stay informed with NRI Globe From New Delhi to New York, we’ll keep you up to speed on the most critical defense and geopolitical developments of our time.