Russia Fires Hypersonic Missile, Escalating Ukraine Conflict

Why in the news?

Russia’s launch of a hypersonic missile at Ukraine marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, prompting global condemnation and rising tensions between the nations.

Overview of Attack:

  • Russia launched a hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile, “Oreshnik,” targeting Ukraine’s Dnipro city on November 21, 2024.
  • The strike is a direct response to Ukraine’s use of Western weapons, including S.-made ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles, against Russian territory.
  • Putin warned that more strikes with such advanced weapons could follow, adding that civilians would be warned in advance.

Russia Fires Hypersonic Missile, Escalating Ukraine Conflict

Global Escalation and Reactions

  • Russian President Vladimir Putin described the war as acquiring “global elements” after Ukraine’s attacks on Russian soil with Western weapons.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the missile strike as a “clear and severe escalation” and called for global condemnation.
  • S. officials indicated that Russia notified Washington prior to the attack, while the U.S. had briefed Kyiv about the possibility of such a missile strike.

Damage and Military Implications

  • The missile targeted military facilities and industrial enterprises in Dnipro, which was a Soviet-era missile manufacturing hub.
  • The strike caused damage to critical infrastructure and fires, injuring two people.
  • Russia also deployed other missiles, including a Kinzhal hypersonic missile and seven Kh-101 cruise missiles, six of which were intercepted by Ukraine’s air defence systems.

What is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile?

  • Range: ICBMs have a range of 5,500 to 16,000 kilometres.
  • Speed: They travel at hypersonic speeds, faster than other ballistic missiles.
  • Launch: Can be launched from silos, mobile platforms, or submarines.
  • Trajectory: Travel through space and re-enter Earth’s atmosphere to hit targets.
  • Guidance: Equipped with precise targeting systems.
  • Multiple Warheads: Utilise MIRV technology to carry multiple warheads.
  • Countries with ICBMs: Russia, US, China, France, India, UK, Israel, North Korea.
  • India’s ICBM: Agni-V (5,000–8,000 km), Agni-VI under development (6,000–10,000 km).

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times