French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the urgent need for Europe to develop its own hypersonic arsenal in response to Russia’s advanced ‘Oreshnik’ missile capabilities. Macron highlighted the threat posed by the ‘Oreshnik’ missile, which has been deployed in Ukraine multiple times, reaching speeds exceeding Mach 10.
During a speech at the Istres airbase, Macron stressed the importance of France acquiring similar weapons to ensure a credible defense posture. He acknowledged the vulnerability of France to the ‘Oreshnik’ missile and underscored the necessity for Europe to enhance its military capabilities.
Macron’s remarks were met with concern by Russian state media, who interpreted his statements as indicative of his fear of Russia’s hypersonic weaponry. Despite this, Macron reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with European partners to develop long-range weapons systems.
The New York Times characterized Macron’s warning as a wake-up call to Europe regarding the threat posed by Russia’s hypersonic missiles. The publication highlighted Russia’s recent advancements in military technology, including the development of the ‘Oreshnik’ missile, as well as other strategic weapons like the ‘Burevestnik’, ‘Poseidon’, and ‘Khabarovsk’.
In response to Russia’s deployment of ‘Oreshnik’ missiles in Belarus, Macron’s call for Europe to bolster its defense capabilities is seen as a reaction to escalating tensions in the region. The increasing use of long-range drones by Ukraine and US actions against Russia-linked tankers have further fueled the need for European countries to enhance their military preparedness.
Overall, Macron’s address underscores the pressing need for Europe to develop its own hypersonic arsenal to counter emerging security threats and maintain strategic stability in the region.