SOURCE: AFI
In a bold assertion that has stirred discussions in military circles, retired Group Captain Uttam Kumar Devnath from the Indian Air Force has stated that Russia’s Oreshnik missile system is beyond the interception capabilities of Western defense systems like the Patriot and THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense). His comments come at a time when global tensions are high, with strategic capabilities and defense systems under intense scrutiny.
The Oreshnik, described as a hypersonic, intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), is claimed to travel at speeds that exceed Mach 10, making it, according to Devnath, “too fast for radar targeting.” This speed, coupled with its maneuverability, purportedly renders it impervious to interception by current Western missile defense technologies.
The Oreshnik’s velocity and ability to alter its trajectory are cited as key reasons why systems like the Patriot, designed to counter ballistic threats, would fail to engage it effectively. Devnath highlighted the missile’s design, suggesting it leverages stealth technologies and hypersonic flight principles to evade detection and interception.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly expressed confidence in the Oreshnik’s capabilities, challenging Western nations to counter it. This bravado has been interpreted by some as a strategic message to deter NATO and other Western countries from further military engagements or support to nations like Ukraine, amidst ongoing geopolitical conflicts.