Putin says Russia is ready to pit the "Hazel" missile against Western air defenses.

On December 19th local time, Russian President Putin addressed questions regarding when the "Hazel" missile system would face off against Western air defense systems during a press conference. He stated, "We are ready right now, today." Putin clarified that this is not a provocation but a response to Western experts questioning the efficacy of the "Hazel" missile system.

Proposal for Technical Showdown in Multiple Locations
Putin suggested Kyiv as a potential site for this technical showdown, given the Western countries' rigorous air defense installations there. He also mentioned that the air defense and anti-missile systems in Romania and Poland are at combat readiness, with 24 systems deployed in each of these regions, making them possible candidates for the showdown as well.

Putin emphasized that he is not aiming to provoke anyone but is encouraging Western experts to propose a plan for this technical contest. "If anyone doubts the effectiveness of the 'Hazel' missile system, we can conduct comparative tests anytime. We agree, the time is now."

A Signal of Russia's Technical Confidence
This statement is seen by outsiders as a sign of Russia's strong confidence in its military technology, especially the "Hazel" missile system, as well as a firm response to Western military technology. In recent years, Russia has continued to invest in military modernization, aiming to maintain its capability to compete with the West in new technological fields.

Putin's statement is likely to escalate regional tensions, especially in the context of ongoing tensions in Ukraine and NATO's defensive deployments in Eastern Europe. This move by Russia is not only aimed at showcasing its technological capabilities but also possibly at seeking to expand its influence in the international public arena.

International Reactions and Future Directions
As of now, Western countries have not formally responded to Putin's proposal. However, analysts note that Russia's move may be intended to demonstrate its independence and advancement in military technology, while also aiming to reinforce confidence in its military equipment both domestically and internationally through this technical contest.

In the future, international interactions surrounding this proposal may become a crucial perspective for observing Russia-West relations and military technology competition. Whether such a technical showdown occurs or not, the matter will likely have a potential impact on regional situations and the global military balance.

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