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On August 28, Ukraine marked a significant milestone by announcing the successful development and test of its first indigenous ballistic missile. The revelation came from President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference at the Ukraine 2024 Independence Forum in Kyiv. Zelensky praised the country’s defense industry for this achievement but withheld further details about the missile’s specifications.
This development offers Ukraine a new, cost-effective remote strike capability, adding a valuable asset to its military arsenal. While Zelensky did not disclose the missile’s specific designation, there is speculation that it could be an advanced version of the existing Hrim-2 short-range ballistic missile. The Hrim-2, also known as the Sapsan system, has been a focal point in Ukraine’s missile development efforts.
Brigadier General Serhiy Baranov, Head of the Main Directorate of Missile Forces, Artillery, and Unmanned Systems at the Ukrainian General Staff, confirmed on November 3, 2023, that the Hrim-2 is operational and undergoing enhancements. The original Sapsan system, which has a range of up to 500 kilometers, has been adapted for various applications, including a modified version for export with a reduced range of 280 kilometers to comply with regulations.
The development of the Sapsan system, which has also been referred to as Grom, Grim, or Hrim-2, began in the 1990s by the Ukrainian design firm Yuzhnoye, according to Interesting Engineering. Officially introduced in 2013, the system features a 10-wheeled Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL) that can carry two containerized missiles. Despite various modifications for both domestic use and export, the program faced financial challenges. Funding issues led to delays, with significant investments required to complete development.
In 2021, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry approved funding to build a testing battery. By June 2023, then-Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov confirmed the allocation of necessary funds. The missile program aims to extend the missile’s range to 700 kilometers and accommodate a 480-kilogram warhead, underscoring Ukraine’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities amidst ongoing conflicts.
