Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Monday that the serial production of the Oreshnik ballistic missile has commenced, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen the combat capabilities of the Russian military. Addressing graduates of military universities at the Kremlin, Putin underscored the importance of enhancing the operational readiness of all military branches, noting the establishment of a new army division dedicated to drone warfare.
According to Anadolu Agency, Putin highlighted the technical modernization of the army and navy as a key focus within the new State Armament Program set for 2027-2036. He expressed a particular emphasis on Russia's nuclear triad, revealing plans to equip the Strategic Rocket Forces with modern Yars missile systems and to update the aviation component of strategic nuclear forces with modernized Tu-160M strategic bombers.
Putin stated, "Serial production of the latest medium-range missile system Oreshnik, which has proven itself very well in combat conditions, is underway." He also mentioned the navy's expansion, which will include new ships and submarines equipped with advanced high-precision weapons. The Oreshnik missile was first used in November 2024, when Russia targeted a plant in Dnipro, Ukraine, in response to Ukraine's deployment of Western long-range weapons.
The Russian president also addressed the evolving international landscape, noting the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the involvement of external powers in regional conflicts. He warned of the dangers posed by Western strategies aimed at strategically undermining Russia, criticizing plans to expand NATO's military capabilities and budgets.
Putin argued that NATO member states are already outspending the rest of the world on military endeavors, suggesting that this fuels global militarization and an arms race. He rejected claims of a potential Russian invasion of Europe and asserted that Russia would continue to take necessary measures to ensure its security and that of its allies, reinforcing its armed forces to support independent development.