Belarus’ touted Oreshnik missile system lacks its launcher
Russian army (Photo: facebook.com / mod.mil.rus)
The public display of Russia’s deployment of the Oreshnik missile system in Belarus has proven limited and does not confirm the presence of a fully operational combat duty, despite loud statements about its placement, according to Defense Express.
Showy deployment without a key component
Belarus has officially announced the deployment of the first Oreshnik missile system with a medium-range ballistic missile, but the released footage does not confirm the system’s readiness to carry out combat missions.
The video shows a ceremonial event featuring certain elements of the system, but without displaying its main component - the self-propelled launcher with the missile.
Limited equipment and personnel
Only three vehicles were seen on camera: an armored security vehicle, a communications vehicle, and a support vehicle. The number of personnel present at the formation was about 70, which does not match the штатна structure of even a single full-fledged missile unit, which should include several launchers, a command post, an extensive communications network, and logistical support assets.
No confirmation of combat duty
Such a configuration indicates that an actually deployed, combat-ready missile system is most likely not present in Belarus at this time.
At the same time, this does not rule out the phased formation of a Russian Strategic Missile Forces unit, with the prospect of receiving missiles and reaching combat readiness in 2026 or later.
Parallels with other missile systems
The composition of the showcased equipment also deserves attention. The column was escorted by an armored security vehicle based on the Ural-63095 Typhoon-U, followed by a vehicle likely performing command-post or combat-duty support functions.
Bringing up the rear was a communications vehicle, which was later deployed on site. All of these elements visually and functionally match the equipment used as part of the Yars missile system.
Origin of the Oreshnik system
The complete similarity of the support vehicles reinforces the theory that the Oreshnik medium-range missile was developed on the basis of the Yars system through design modifications, likely by removing one of its stages.
A similar approach was used in the past when the RSD-10 Pioneer was created on the basis of Temp-2S, which later evolved into Topol and subsequently Yars.
Photo: Oreshnik missile system
Photo: Russian army
Photo: Oreshnik missile system
Photo: Oreshnik missile system
Photo: Oreshnik missile system
Photo: Oreshnik missile system
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