Expanding Output of Oreshnik Ballistic Missiles
Russia has significantly increased the manufacturing capacity for its Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles at the Votkinsk plant. Analysts from Defence Express report a noticeable rise in the number of completed missiles, signaling the Kremlin's intent to deploy this weapon more frequently in the conflict with Ukraine. The Russian military-industrial complex has retooled the factory and its partner facilities for mass production, enabling more regular use not only to destroy infrastructure but also to sustain nuclear blackmail against Ukraine's Western allies.
The War with Ukraine
The first Oreshnik strike on the city of Dnipro occurred in November 2024. Russia originally planned to produce six Oreshnik missiles per year; as of last year, only three had been built. Of those, one was used in the attack on Ukraine, and another was destroyed at the Kapustin Yar test range by Ukrainian special forces. The growing number of launches indicates that the enemy is working to stockpile these systems for routine strikes deep inside Ukrainian territory.
On May 24, 2025, Russia targeted the city of Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region with an RS-26 Rubezh ballistic missile (also known as the Oreshnik). According to data disclosed last year, Moscow planned to manufacture six Oreshnik missiles in 2025; as of the previous year, a total of three had been produced. One was used against Ukraine, and another was eliminated at the Kapustin Yar range by Ukrainian intelligence operatives. On May 23, 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of an impending Oreshnik attack based on intelligence shared by the United States and European partners.
The expansion of Oreshnik missile production reflects Russia’s determination to intensify their use in the war against Ukraine, which could create new regional security threats. Analyst reports highlight the Kremlin’s efforts to bolster its military capabilities, potentially complicating peace negotiations and heightening tensions between Ukraine and its Western backers. This development may also influence decisions by Western nations regarding military aid to Ukraine.
The recent escalation in missile production has a direct correlation with Russia's ongoing military actions. For instance, the recent strike on Bila Tserkva with an Oreshnik missile underscores the increased frequency and intensity of these attacks. To understand the implications of this latest offensive and the strategic significance of the Oreshnik missile system, read more about the details of the assault here.