Russia’s New Ballistic Missile: Dummy Warheads Used in Dnipro Strike

Russia‘s New Missile Test in Dnipro: Key Details

Russian forces fired a new ballistic missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro last week. Two senior Ukrainian government sources reported that this missile carried dummy warheads and lacked explosives. The missile caused limited damage.

This missile test reflects Russia’s warning to the West after the U.S. and U.K. enabled Ukraine to launch missiles into Russian territory. Reports indicate that this intermediate-range ballistic missile is experimental. These missiles usually target distant locations for nuclear strikes.

One Ukrainian source described the damage from the missile as “quite small.” Another source confirmed that there were no significant explosions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that the missile, named Oreshnik, successfully hit a defense enterprise in Dnipro. He stated that Russia would continue to test this missile and has stockpiles prepared for use. Ukraine is reportedly developing air defense systems to counter it.

U.S. officials believe Russia possesses only a few of these new missiles. Experts suggest that this missile is based on the RS-26 design. The RS-26 can reach over 5,000 kilometers, but the missile used in Ukraine flew approximately 700 kilometers.

Experts noted that omitting explosives allows for testing equipment inside the missile, which can gather performance data. However, it is unclear if the Russian warheads include this technology.

Jeffrey Lewis, a missile expert, commented that using such an expensive method for minimal destruction raises questions.