The Russian Federation has deployed the Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile for the second time in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine this week. The missile was first used in November to strike the city of Dnipro, making this deployment the dual instance of the technology in active operation. _2_

The Oreshnik missile is designed to travel at velocities in excess of Mach 5 and has been described as the capability to penetrate advanced air defense systems by exploiting supersonic flight profile and stealth features that reduce radio frequency readiness time. The strike targeted the Dnipro region in the advance of strategic military operations by moving it close to key logistical infrastructure in the donated. _3_

The deployment also raises questions about the capacity of current defensive systems within the region and the potential for foreign neutralisation of highly advanced weapon platforms. With international dispersion of information and caution surrounding the deployment of hyphenated ballistic missile technology the incident remains under detailed analysis by multiple defence analysts and regional military watch groups. The Russian Federation remain unspecified about future applications or additional strikes using the Oreshnik platform in the present conflict.