Patriot systems are capable of intercepting Oreshnik munitions, according to an expert
Patriot air defense systems are capable of shooting down the submunitions of Russia’s “Oreshnik” missile, stated military expert Maksym Narozhny. In his view, Russia could have put the funds spent on developing this missile to much better use. The expert also noted that during the attack on Ukraine on the night of May 24, Russia used conventional munitions for the “Oreshnik,” but its actual effectiveness remains questionable.
This was stated by Pavlo Narozhny, founder of the charity organization "Reactive Mail" and a military expert, during a broadcast on Radio NV.
"The enemy spent several tens of millions of dollars on this single 'Oreshnik.' And as a result, one could say it was a bust. But if that money had been spent on 'Shaheds,' 'Iskander-M's,' or 'Kinzhals,' then it would have been spent with much greater purpose. This weapon is unrefined," said Narozhny.
He noted that the key purpose of this weapon is to carry nuclear munitions, not conventional warheads.
"In modern weapons, these submunitions must be accelerated downward by a special rocket motor. After all, if they just fall, it’s not very effective. If there is a more or less modern air defense system, such as the Patriot, it can shoot down these submunitions. And when it comes to defending an aircraft carrier or another strategic facility—and they are planning to go to war with a NATO country where such systems are plentiful—they won’t be very effective,” added Narozhny.
The expert noted that the "Oreshnik" is a state-of-the-art weapon for Russia, one of Moscow’s latest developments. And its effectiveness raises doubts that the investment in this missile was well spent.
"Modern weapons are far more powerful than these submunitions, which are clearly incapable of penetrating concrete fortifications. If the terrain is complex—with hills—such weapons will be completely ineffective. We shouldn’t dismiss the ‘Oreshnik,’ but the money spent on it was a waste," explained Narozhny.
The myth about Oreshnik’s kinetic power was not confirmed after the strike on Bila Tserkva — Defense Express.
