Russia's New Ballistic Missile: A Game Changer in Warfare
Escalating Threat from Russia
Russia's military actions are becoming increasingly lethal, particularly in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The nation is deploying advanced weaponry that even the air defense systems provided by the United States and its allies struggle to counter. Over recent months, Russian assaults have wreaked havoc across Ukraine, with ballistic missiles proving to be particularly devastating.
A Mysterious Fireball in the Sky
On November 21, 2024, just before dawn, a fireball was spotted in the sky above the Dnipro River. This was neither a meteor nor a drone. The subsequent explosion obliterated a significant defense facility in southeastern Ukraine. Footage of the attack quickly went viral, leading analysts and intelligence agencies to conclude that it was not a conventional strike. However, it wasn't until Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the event that the world learned what had transpired.
The Orzhonikidze Missile: A New Threat
It was later revealed that the attack was executed using the Orzhonikidze missile, a new type of Russian ballistic missile. This missile is capable of causing destruction comparable to that of nuclear weapons. If such arms become commonplace, traditional nuclear weapons may become obsolete.
The Dangers of the Orzhonikidze
The Orzhonikidze can reach speeds exceeding Mach 10 and withstand temperatures of up to 4,000 degrees Celsius. Its destructive capability is on par with tactical nuclear weapons. In less than a year, Russia has begun utilizing and expanding its arsenal of these weapons, with plans for deployment in Belarus confirmed by the end of 2025. This shift indicates a significant change in Russia's military strategy.
Maintaining Speed During Descent
Putin has stated that the warheads of the Orzhonikidze can endure temperatures of 4,000 degrees Celsius. To protect against such heat and maintain terminal velocity, the payload must be wrapped in advanced composite materials. This includes heat-resistant ceramics and carbon structures used in hypersonic glide vehicles. A notable feature of the Orzhonikidze is its ability to maintain hypersonic speeds during the final phase of flight, unlike conventional ballistic warheads that slow down during descent. Reports suggest that the Orzhonikidze can travel faster than Mach 10 and Mach 11 even through dense atmospheric layers.