As World War III fears surge, Putin announces big move amid Israel-Iran conflict. Check details
At a time when experts have sounded alarm over fears of World War 3 amid rising tensions in Middle East, Russian President Vladimir Putin is escalating the production of
hypersonic missiles
. The move comes after Iran targetted American military bases in neighbouring Qatar on Monday in response to US President Donald Trump's decision to drop six "bunker buster" bombs at nuclear sites in the country over the weekend.
Israel launched a barrage of missiles amid worries that Iran was advancing its uranium enrichment to create a nuclear threat. Iran, a staunch ally of Moscow, has provided drone for Russia's offensive in Ukraine.
Amid these tensions, Moscow is assessing the situation and has determined increasing its arsenal is vital to self-preservation. Putin said Russia would increase production of missiles should it be attacked.
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Russia to produce hypersonic missiles
During a press conference, Putin said more Oreshnik hypersonic missiles would be produced, reports The Irish Star. The missiles are believed to have an intermediate-range and were first used when Russia attacked Ukraine.
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Putin said the missile had "proven itself very well in combat conditions," Reuters reported. He added: "Serial production of the latest Oreshnik medium-range missile system under way." These missiles, also known as Hazel tree missiles, were deployed by Russia during their assault on Ukraine on November 21, 2024, hitting a defense facility in Dnipro and inflicting considerable damage, as per reports.
These missiles are capable of striking targets up to 3,415 miles away, which puts locations across Europe and even the western United States within their potential reach. Putin previously boasted at a press conference that the Oreshnik was "impossible to intercept," and claimed it could inflict damage on par with a nuclear weapon—a statement that military experts have questioned.
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Putin on Israel-Iran conflict
Putin had said he was worried when asked whether he feared the world was moving towards a potential
World War III
, reported news agency Reuters. Speaking at an economic forum in St. Petersburg, Putin noted that global conflict risks were increasing.
"It is disturbing. I am speaking without any irony, without any jokes. Of course, there is a lot of conflict potential, it is growing, and it is right under our noses, and it affects us directly," said Putin. He added, "And this requires, of course, not only our careful attention to the events taking place, but also the search for solutions, the search for solutions, preferably by peaceful means, in all directions."
Putin also said that Russia plans to expand military and technical cooperation with "friendly countries" by jointly producing weapons and training military personnel. The Russian President said Moscow aimed to modernise its own armed forces by equipping them with the latest weapons and technology.
(With Reuters inputs)
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