Russia’s new intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, recently fired at Ukraine, was developed using advanced manufacturing equipment from Western companies, despite sanctions. The Financial Times reported that the missile was launched at Dnipro on Nov. 21 in response to Ukraine’s use of American and British weapons.
Two key Russian weapons engineering institutes, Moscow Institute for Thermal Technology (MITT) and Sozvezdie, were named as developers of the Oreshnik. Job listings posted in 2024 required expertise in operating German and Japanese metalworking systems, essential for missile production.
Although sanctions have slowed the flow of such equipment, at least $3 million worth of Heidenhain components were shipped into Russia in 2024. The missile is believed to be a modification of the RS-26 Rubezh missile, and Putin has announced plans for mass production. However, a U.S. official indicated that Russia likely possesses only a small number of these experimental missiles.
The reliance on Western machinery highlights vulnerabilities in Russia’s defense industry amid ongoing sanctions. Meanwhile, Seoul confirmed that Ukraine captured a wounded North Korean soldier in Kursk Oblast, following a report from Ukraine’s military-focused news outlet Militarnyi. This incident adds to the complexity of geopolitical tensions in the region.
Overall, the use of Western equipment in the development of the Oreshnik missile underscores the intricate web of international relations and arms development, with implications for global security.
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Photo credit kyivindependent.com
