Russia backs the installation of the "Oрешник" in Cuba and Venezuela
Russia Mulls Over Deploying Hypersonic Missile System in Latin America
In a recent interview with TASS, military expert Stepanyov revealed that Russia is considering deploying its newly operational "Oreshnik" hypersonic missile system in Latin American countries, particularly Cuba and Venezuela. This move is part of a broader strategy to project military power globally and support its allies' sovereignty.
The Oreshnik missile, capable of traveling at speeds up to Mach 11 with a strike range of up to 5,500 kilometers, was first tested in November 2024 and has been used in combat strikes in Ukraine. Its hypersonic speed and mobile launch platform make it difficult to intercept, giving Russia a significant advantage in medium-range strategic warfare.
If deployed in Venezuela or Cuba, Russia would extend its military presence to the Western Hemisphere, placing parts of the southern United States and the Caribbean within potential strike range. This geopolitical move would act as a counterbalance to U.S. and NATO influence in the region, signaling Russia's intent to maintain and expand global military reach beyond Eurasia.
Military experts view this deployment as a means to ensure the sovereignty and security of Russia's allies. However, they also caution that the development and deployment of such systems is occurring in the context of ongoing advancements by geopolitical opponents, particularly the U.S., which is continuing to supply long-range missiles to NATO allies worldwide. The deployment in Cuba and Venezuela could provoke diplomatic backlash and escalate regional tensions, especially with the United States and NATO closely monitoring the situation.
Officially, Russia has confirmed serial production and domestic deployment of the Oreshnik missile system, including plans to deploy it in Belarus. However, overseas deployments have not been formally announced. Military analysts widely suggest that Venezuela is a likely location under consideration, and potentially Cuba as well, based on Russia’s geopolitical interests and recent statements from defense experts.
The Oreshnik missile is hypersonic, capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads, and its deployment to Latin America could threaten southern U.S. and Caribbean targets, challenging U.S. regional dominance. This strategic move would also provide Russia with a strategic foothold beyond its traditional areas, showcasing its military-industrial capacities.
In summary, the proposed deployment of the Oreshnik missile complex in Latin America could provide its allies with national sovereignty, grant Russia global military presence, and ensure security for its allies. However, it could also provoke diplomatic and possibly military tensions with the United States and NATO. Russia's readiness for broader international deployment of the Oreshnik system indicates its commitment to maintaining and expanding its military influence globally.
- The consideration of deploying Russia's hypersonic missile system, the Oreshnik, in Latin America amidst ongoing war-and-conflicts across the globe could be a significant move in politics, as it signifies Russia's intent to extend its military reach and challenge U.S. regional dominance.
- In the general news realm, the potential deployment of the Oreshnik missile system in countries like Cuba and Venezuela raises concerns about aggravating diplomatic tensions with the United States and NATO, given the strategic advantages the system offers, particularly in medium-range strategic warfare.
