Intelligence agency names number of 'Oreshnik' missiles in Russia's arsenal

Russia now has only 3-4 Oreshnik missiles, however, it plans to start their serial production in 2026 in order to produce five or more units per year. This was stated by the first deputy head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Oleh Lugovskyy, Ukrinform reported.

According to our estimates, Russia has no more than 3-4 such missiles. We know that the Russian Defence Ministry plans to put the 'Oreshnik' into mass production in 2026 and acquire the capability to produce five or more such missiles per year," he said.

Lugovsky emphasised that "there is more political than military content in 'Oreshnik'". According to him, the missile primarily serves as a tool to intimidate Ukraine's European partners.

It has questionable combat effectiveness. 'Oreshnik is built on technologies of the last century and requires constant technical support and prompt elimination of various malfunctions,' he added.

In addition, the SVR interacts with the intelligence of partner countries on 'Oreshnik' to get an overall objective picture and avoid misinformation from Russia and Belarus.

Recall, "Oreshnik" is a Russian medium-range ballistic missile. It first became known on 21 November 2024, when the head of the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin, reported about the strike of "Oreshnik" in nuclear-free hypersonic equipment on the Dnieper River.