STORM SHADOW AND ORESHNIK MISSILES- DEFENCE

STORM SHADOW AND ORESHNIK MISSILES- DEFENCE

NEWS: Ukraine deployed British-made Storm Shadow missiles and US-provided Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) against targets in Russia, while Russia retaliated with a hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) called “Oreshnik” targeting Dnipro.

  • Significance: These developments underscore a significant escalation in the conflict, involving advanced Western-supplied weaponry and Russian retaliatory measures with new missile technology.

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Ukraine's Use of Western-Supplied Missiles

  1. Deployment of Storm Shadow Missiles

·         Western Aid Request: Kyiv’s persistent calls for long-range weaponry from Western allies led to the deployment of Storm Shadow missiles, marking a pivotal moment in the conflict.

·         Confirmed Use: Russian sources reported intercepted fragments of the Storm Shadow near Marino, Kursk, with Kyiv cryptically acknowledging the incident.

  1. Characteristics of Storm Shadow Missiles

·         Design & Capabilities: A long-range, air-launched, deep-strike cruise missile developed by the UK and France, capable of reaching up to 250 km (155 miles).

·         Special Features: Stealth characteristics through a combination of long-range, low altitude, and supersonic speed, enhanced by "fire-and-forget" technology.

·         Targeting: Optimized for high-value stationary targets like bunkers, airbases, communication hubs, and port facilities.


Warhead Technology: Equipped with the BROACH warhead, which penetrates the surface before detonation, enhancing its effectiveness against fortified targets.


  1. Use of ATACMS Missiles

·         Deployment: Authorized by President Joe Biden, these surface-to-surface ballistic missiles have now been utilized against Russian territories.

·         Range & Capabilities: ATACMS missiles can strike targets up to 300 km (186 miles), potentially reaching deep into Russian territory, including sensitive regions like Crimea.

·         Intercept Challenges: These missiles utilize solid rocket propellant and follow a ballistic trajectory, making them harder to intercept due to their high speed and steep descent.

Russian Retaliatory Response

  1. Launch of Oreshnik Missile

·         Initial Confusion: Ukraine initially claimed an ICBM strike, which was later corrected to an IRBM, specifically the experimental “Oreshnik.”

·         Missile Features: The Oreshnik, reportedly based on the RS-26 Rubezh ICBM, is capable of hypersonic speeds, complicating interception efforts.

·         Target Impact: The missile struck a factory in Dnipro, and the wreckage was displayed by Ukraine’s Security Service, though Western analysis is still pending.

  1. Potential Capabilities of Oreshnik

·         Range: Western estimates suggest the missile can reach up to 5,500 km, making it capable of targeting every European city from Russian launch points.

·         Technological Showcase: Alongside the Oreshnik, Russia employed Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and several cruise missiles, indicating a diverse arsenal.

Comparative Analysis of Missile Technologies

  1. Cruise vs. Ballistic Missiles

·         Cruise Missiles: Such as Storm Shadow, fly at low altitudes and use jet engines, making them more challenging to detect due to their maneuverability.

·         Ballistic Missiles: Like ATACMS and Oreshnik, follow a parabolic trajectory, easier to track but challenging to intercept due to high re-entry speeds and steep angles.

  1. Stealth and Precision Features

·         Storm Shadow: Leverages stealth technology through low altitude, long-range, and advanced navigation systems (INS, GPS, and terrain reference).

·         ATACMS: Prioritizes rapid, high-altitude travel with ballistic descent, focusing on direct impact and payload delivery without prolonged exposure to defenses.

Strategic Implications of Advanced Weaponry Usage

  1. Escalation of Conflict Dynamics

·         Deeper Strikes: Ukraine’s acquisition and use of long-range Western missiles signify a shift from defensive to offensive capabilities, targeting Russian mainland areas.

·         Russian Retaliation: Russia's response with hypersonic and intermediate-range ballistic missiles demonstrates a readiness to deploy new missile technology.

  1. Western Support and Political Signals

·         Broader Military Aid: The provision of sophisticated weaponry like Storm Shadow and ATACMS underscores Western commitment to Ukraine’s military capacity.

·         Symbolic Impact: The authorization of strikes within Russian territory signals a shift in Western policy, moving from defensive assistance to supporting limited offensive actions.

  1. Implications for Air and Missile Defense Systems

·         Air Defense Adaptation: The use of cruise missiles challenges traditional air defense due to their unpredictable flight paths, necessitating advanced radar and interception technology.

·         Missile Defense Enhancements: The hypersonic nature of Russia’s Oreshnik IRBM requires robust missile defense systems capable of countering high-speed threats.

·         Non-Proliferation Challenges: The conflict's technological advancements may impact global arms control and non-proliferation efforts, setting precedents for future conflicts.