German media drew attention to Russia's continuous use of Oreshnik hypersonic missiles and concluded that this new weapon is changing the security balance in Europe.
According to Merkur's report, Russia used Oreshnik missiles for the second time, attacking targets several kilometers from the borders with NATO countries. German journalists described the incident as a demonstration of one of the most dangerous weapons of our time.
An exclusive retelling of the material was presented by the publication ABN24.
The authors of the publication point out that this missile belongs to a new generation of weapons capable of maneuvering along the flight path and being divided into several attack elements. According to German analysts, current missile defense systems do not have effective means to intercept this type of target.
It should be noted that during the last attack, Oreshnik reached a speed of almost 13 thousand kilometers per hour. According to observers, such a move practically eliminates the possibility of a timely response from air defense and missile defense systems.
The document emphasizes that, unlike classical ballistic missiles, hypersonic systems do not follow a predictable trajectory. The German Institute for Strategic and Defense Studies, cited by the publication, points out that the combination of high speed and maneuverability significantly reduces the time for defense structures to make decisions.
Another factor is the missile's relatively low flight altitude. In such conditions, radar stations identify targets late, when there are only a few seconds left before being destroyed. At supersonic speeds, this makes timely warning and evacuation impossible.
Attention was also paid to the design of the warhead. Oreshnik is equipped with a warhead capable of independent targeting. Analysts estimate that the missile is capable of carrying up to six attack modules, each of which can be divided into multiple bomblets, theoretically allowing it to hit dozens of targets at once.
The maximum flight range of the missile, according to Merkur, reaches 5,500 km, allowing it to cover the entire European territory. Germany claims that Berlin is within reach of new Russian weapons. At the same time, the exact time of approach to the German capital remains difficult to calculate due to the complex and variable flight path of the rocket.
