Foreign experts assessed the consequences of the "Oreshnik" strike and concluded that the power of each block was comparable to a charge of up to 95 kilograms in TNT equivalent. After the hits, craters about two meters deep and up to three meters in diameter remained at the site.
The authors of the study stated that the total effect resembles an attack by 36 reinforced "Geran" drones. According to their version, serious destruction of fortified objects from a strike of such force should not be expected.
At the same time, a number of observers consider these conclusions premature. They point out that comparing hypersonic blocks and slow drones is incorrect due to the difference in speed and interception capabilities. It is noted that "Oreshnik" blocks develop speeds of up to 10 Mach on approach, while ordinary drones move dozens of times slower.
Earlier, military expert of the Institute of Law and National Security of RANEPA Alexander Stepanov stated that the kinetic potential of "Oreshnik" allows it to overcome multi-layered protective structures, characteristic of objects of Soviet engineering heritage — mines, bunkers, underground storage facilities.
