From the Kapustin Yar test site, across Ukraine, Putin launched a “Kedr” carrier rocket with a ‘Oreshnik’ kinetic charge. “Oreshnik” is a warhead containing 36 metal rods, each weighing 6 kg. At a certain point in its flight, the warhead releases the rods toward the target. They fly downward at a speed of about 3 km/s, heating up and glowing in the night sky. They then pierce the ground within a radius of 500 meters. Each of these metal rods (metal balls) flies to the ground uncontrollably, so there is almost no accuracy.
This is Putin’s second attack on Ukraine with the “Oreshnik.” We have already seen this in the city of Dnipro at the Pivdenmash plant. The effectiveness of the strike is close to zero. The only exception might be if a hot metal blank accidentally hits fuel tanks or flammable substances.
This type of weapon was poorly copied by the Russians from South Korean kinetic weapons. More details here (from 37 minutes and 7 seconds).
Putin’s goal is to try to divert attention from the blow to his image caused by the Americans’ seizure of Russian tankers.
There is no point in launching this “Oreshnik” during the day, as there is no theatrical effect. Now the Russian media will try to spread panic, primarily among Western audiences.
