DID Press: Russia released images showing the deployment of its “Orshonik” hypersonic missile system in Belarus, signaling a boost to offensive capabilities near Europe’s borders. Analysts say the move could significantly shorten the time required for Russian strategic weapons to reach European targets.
According to the TASS news agency, this is the first public display of mobile Orshonik systems. President Vladimir Putin has previously described the missiles as “uninterceptable,” claiming they can travel at more than ten times the speed of sound.
Boris Gryzlov, Russia’s ambassador to Belarus, confirmed the deployment in his New Year’s message, saying the missile systems have been placed on combat duty in Belarus. He called the move clear evidence of the effectiveness of bilateral security guarantees under the two countries’ “Union State,” which came into force in March.
The deployment in a country bordering NATO members and Ukraine comes amid continued tensions over the war in Ukraine. At the same time, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Ukraine carried out an attack on President Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region of northwestern Russia on Monday.
Western analysts believe the placement of Orshonik systems in Belarus is intended as a deterrent signal to NATO and enhances Russia’s ability to respond rapidly in potential conflict scenarios with Europe.
Russia tested an Orshonik missile equipped with a conventional warhead against a target in Ukraine in November 2024. Putin claimed that even the conventional version has destructive power comparable to nuclear weapons. With a reported range of up to 5,500 kilometers, the system could theoretically strike much of Europe and even parts of the western United States.