Russia begins serial production of new intermediate-range missile "Oreshnik"

Russia has officially commenced serial production of its new conventional intermediate-range ballistic missile, known as "Oreshnik," President Vladimir Putin announced during a joint press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Valaam Island.

According to Putin, the first batch of the missile complexes has been produced and delivered to Russian military units, marking the launch of ongoing mass production, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

He also confirmed that Russian and Belarusian military specialists have already identified locations for future missile deployment.

President Lukashenko emphasised that the process of positioning the missile systems is progressing calmly and without urgency, noting there is no need to rush the deployment.

Putin added that the operation is proceeding according to plan.

The "Oreshnik" missile is classified as a medium-range ballistic missile. Putin initially revealed the missile’s use on November 21, 2024, explaining that its development was a response to Ukrainian strikes involving American ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles targeting Russian regions including Kursk and Bryansk.

By Sabina Mammadli