Overview
- A classified NATO intelligence paper reported by Die Welt details allied concerns about a new cohort of Russian medium‑ and long‑range weapons.
- The nuclear‑powered Burevestnik cruise missile is described as highly maneuverable, faster than 900 km/h, capable of up to 14,000 km, launchable from mobile platforms, and potentially operational within two to three years, according to the leak.
- Analysts say the mobile SS‑X‑28 Oreschnik has already been used in Ukraine, can carry various warheads including nuclear, may reach targets across Europe, and poses defense challenges due to uncertain payloads and mobility.
- The Poseidon undersea vehicle is portrayed as a large, hard‑to‑detect torpedo designed to strike ports and coastal cities, with Kremlin timelines suggesting readiness by 2030, while NATO notes limited suitable counter‑torpedoes.
- The paper highlights shortfalls in NATO defenses against medium‑ and long‑range nuclear‑capable threats and contrasts this strategic risk with Germany’s current public focus on drones, while advising skepticism toward Russian capability claims.