Introduction

It’s challenging to directly compare Russia’s Oreshnik ballistic missile with the hypersonic weapons being developed for U.S. stealth destroyers, as they have different capabilities and are at different stages of development. However, we can analyze key aspects of both systems:

Oreshnik Missile

Range: Estimated at approximately 3,410 miles, capable of reaching most of Europe.

Speed: Reportedly travels at Mach 10 (10 times the speed of sound).

Payload: Carries six warheads, each containing six sub-munitions.

Status: Already tested in combat conditions against Ukraine.

U.S. Hypersonic Weapon (Conventional Prompt Strike)

Range: Specific range not provided, but designed for long-range strikes.

Speed: Estimated to travel at seven to eight times the speed of sound.

Payload: Details not specified in the search results.

Status: Still in development, with testing on the USS Zumwalt planned for 2027 or 2028.

Key Differences

Development Stage: The Oreshnik has been used in combat, while the U.S. system is still in development.

Deployment Platform: Oreshnik is land-based, while the U.S. system will be ship-based on stealth destroyers.

Strategic Purpose: The Oreshnik seems designed for regional conflicts, while the U.S. system aims for global strike capabilities.

Effectiveness and Countermeasures

Russian claims suggest the Oreshnik is difficult to intercept.

However, analysis by Janes indicates that U.S. missile defense systems like Terminal High Altitude Area Defense could potentially intercept the Oreshnik.

The U.S. hypersonic weapon is being developed with a focus on evading current defense systems.

Conclusion

While the Oreshnik demonstrates Russia’s current capabilities in hypersonic technology, it’s premature to declare it “better” than the U.S. system. The U.S. weapon is still in development and aims to leverage advanced stealth destroyer platforms. Both systems represent significant advancements in missile technology, with each having its own strategic advantages. The true comparison of effectiveness can only be made once both systems are fully operational and tested under similar conditions.