The Oreshnik Can Be Shot Down: Which Missile Defense Systems Can Handle the New Russian Missile.

Shooting Down the Oreshnik Missile with Modern Air Defense Systems

According to ТСН: The Russian medium-range ballistic missile "Oreshnik" can be destroyed using modern missile defense systems, such as the Aegis-equipped Standard Missile 3 and the Israeli Arrow 3 system.

The expert noted that the SM-3 missiles are installed on ships with the Aegis system. They are deployed at two American bases - in Romania and Poland, while the Arrow 3 system is located in Germany.

"Oreshnik" is a medium-range ballistic missile with multiple warheads, and it must be hit before the warheads separate. This is an exo-atmospheric intercept that takes place in space. However, there are questions as to when exactly the warheads separate, and whether the missile is within the range of these systems.

"Officially, neither the SM-3 nor the Arrow 3 parameters have been disclosed, so precise assessment is impossible. We do not know the flight cycle of 'Oreshnik' and SM-3. Without this, it is impossible to say for sure. Theoretically, it is possible to intercept (the missile), but practically it depends on many parameters," the expert noted.

The expert also emphasized that Ukraine currently lacks the capabilities to intercept the "Oreshnik" missile. Theoretically, the Defense Forces could attempt to destroy the already separated warheads using Patriot missile defense systems, but this is unlikely due to the limited number of targets that the system can handle and destroy simultaneously.

"Patriot is a means against tactical and operational-tactical ballistic missiles, like 'Iskander'. Other systems are required for medium-range missiles: THAAD, SM-6, SM-3," said Katkov.

Commenting on Russia's stated speed of the missile at 13,000 km/h, the expert explained that this is characteristic of medium-range ballistic missiles and corresponds to a speed of approximately 3.6 km/s. This confirms the assessments of the Ukrainian side that the "Oreshnik" is a reincarnation of the Soviet Pioneer complex.

Therefore, the capabilities of intercepting the "Oreshnik" missile raise many questions. Although theoretically there are systems capable of doing so, practical aspects and limitations prove to be significant obstacles. The development of the situation in this direction requires careful monitoring by Ukraine's defense authorities, as Russian aggression continues and new technologies are constantly changing the rules of the game.