Ukraine's Domestic Ballistic Missile Development
Ukraine has made remarkable strides in its domestic ballistic missile program, as President Volodymyr Zelensky announced during the Ukraine 2024: Independence Forum. While details remain closely guarded, the development appears to focus on the Grom-2 short-range ballistic missile, also known as Sapsan, a project that has been in the works for several years. This marks a significant step forward in Ukraine's defense capabilities, especially as the country seeks to enhance its long-range strike options amidst ongoing tensions with Russia.
The Grom-2 missile project, led by the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau, has been a key focus of Ukraine's defense industry since at least 2014, with initial concepts dating back to 2007. Saudi Arabia has reportedly provided partial funding, reflecting its interest in advanced Ukrainian weaponry. The missile is often compared to Russia’s Iskander missile, both in terms of design and capabilities. The Grom-2 is expected to have a range between 300 and 500 kilometers, though some reports speculate it could reach up to 700 kilometers under certain conditions. This extended range could provide Ukraine with a powerful tool for deterring and responding to regional threats.
What makes the Grom-2 particularly formidable is its ability to carry a conventional warhead weighing approximately 480 kilograms. This payload, combined with the missile's range, positions it as a significant asset in Ukraine's defense strategy. The missile has reportedly undergone successful testing, though specifics about the tests remain undisclosed. These tests are likely a crucial part of Ukraine's broader efforts to develop long-range weaponry, including both ballistic and cruise missiles.
Ukraine’s push to develop its own long-range missiles is driven in part by the limitations imposed by its Western partners. Currently, Western-supplied long-range weapons come with restrictions that prevent Ukraine from using them against targets within Russian territory. This has led Kyiv to invest in its indigenous missile programs, allowing greater operational flexibility and independence. Last year, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence revealed plans to initiate the production of domestic weaponry with ranges exceeding 1,000 kilometers. However, until now, only select Ukrainian strike drones have achieved such capabilities.
Beyond the Grom-2, Ukraine has been advancing its cruise missile capabilities as well. The Neptune anti-ship missile, initially designed for maritime targets, has been successfully adapted for land-attack missions. Additionally, the Korshun-2 cruise missile, under development since at least 2014, draws inspiration from the Soviet-era Kh-55 missile, further expanding Ukraine's arsenal of long-range precision weapons.
The development of these advanced missile systems marks a turning point for Ukraine’s defense posture. As the country continues to face significant security challenges, particularly from Russia, having a robust, domestically-produced missile capability is crucial for maintaining deterrence and ensuring national security. The Grom-2 missile, with its impressive range and payload capacity, could soon become a cornerstone of Ukraine’s defensive strategy, offering a credible threat to adversaries and solidifying Ukraine's position as a self-reliant military power.
