19-12-2024 (MOSCOW) Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued an extraordinary challenge to the United States, proposing a missile defence demonstration that would pit Russia’s latest hypersonic weapon against American defensive capabilities.
Speaking at a defence ministry briefing, Putin extended what amounts to a technological gauntlet, suggesting a controlled experiment where both nations would select a protected target, with the Russian Oreshnik hypersonic missile attempting to breach US defensive systems.
“We stand prepared to conduct such an experiment,” declared the Russian leader, displaying characteristic confidence in his nation’s military prowess. His remarks appeared designed to counter Western doubts about the effectiveness of the new weapon system.
The Oreshnik, whilst incorporating modern innovations, builds upon established Russian missile architecture. Its combat debut occurred on 21 November, when Russian forces deployed it against the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Putin framed this inaugural strike as a calculated response to Ukraine’s employment of American-supplied ATACMS ballistic missiles and British Storm Shadow cruise missiles against Russian positions.
Putin’s challenge emerges against a backdrop of escalating tensions over missile deployment in Eastern Europe. The Russian president’s proposition, whilst provocative, underscores Moscow’s increasing assertiveness in showcasing its military technological achievements.
Defence analysts note that such a demonstration would be unprecedented in modern military history, though the likelihood of American participation remains questionable. The proposal arrives at a time of particularly strained relations between Moscow and Washington, with ongoing conflicts and diplomatic tensions showing little sign of abating.
