Renewed Cold War Threat: Russia’s Nuclear-Capable MIRV Missile Launches Concern Experts

Threat of Cold War Resurgence Due to Russia‘s New Missile Launch

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia — Experts in the West warn of a potential return to a Cold War due to Russia’s recent missile launch, known as Oreshnik, which is believed to have nuclear capabilities. On November 21, Russia launched a ballistic missile armed with multiple warheads amidst its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, highlighted that these ballistic missiles, called Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRV), have never been used in combat historically. During the Cold War, MIRV technology was developed to deliver multiple nuclear warheads in a single launch.

Although the missile strike in Dnipro, Ukraine, did not involve nuclear warheads and instead used conventional weapons, the presence of MIRV raises significant concerns. The current nuclear landscape may differ from the past, as ballistic missiles now pose a greater risk of provoking nuclear strikes, rather than deterring them.

Kristensen noted that the destructive potential of MIRV makes its existence disturbing. This type of missile can serve as both an offensive weapon and a primary target for attacks. The Union of Concerned Scientists outlined two scenarios linked to MIRV: its use or its destruction. Both scenarios could escalate conflict dramatically.

During warfare, striking various warheads before their launch is often easier than intercepting them. Nevertheless, a preemptive strike using MIRV could lead to considerable tactical advantages.

The recent Russian attack on Dnipro illustrated the terrifying capabilities of MIRV. Different warheads struck different targets, each requiring defense against anti-missile rockets. Although these warheads were not nuclear, their use in conventional combat has stirred international alarm, signaling a significant departure from decades-long Cold War deterrent strategies.