President Zelenskyy announces the successful testing of a Ukrainian ballistic missile, strengthening national military capabilities in the face of Russian aggression.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the successful flight testing of a home-grown ballistic missile. Faced with restrictions on the use of Western long-range weapons inside Russia, Ukraine is stepping up efforts to strengthen its domestic arms production, focusing particularly on missiles and drones. Defense Minister Rustem Umierov stressed the importance of these programs, citing massive investment and long-term plans to develop Ukraine’s defense industry. These technological advances mark a significant step forward in Ukraine’s military autonomy, enabling it to strike strategic targets while respecting the limitations imposed by its Western allies.
Successful test of Ukrainian ballistic missile announced
On October 1, at the opening of the second International Defense Industry Forum in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine had successfully flight-tested a home-grown ballistic missile. The announcement represents a major step towards strengthening the country’s indigenous military capabilities.
On his Facebook page, Zelenskyy declared, “Our new ballistic missile has passed flight tests.” Although the technical details of the missile have not been fully disclosed for reasons of national security, this success testifies to the technological progress made by Ukraine in the field of advanced weapons systems.
The development of this ballistic missile is particularly significant in the current context of conflict with Russia. Indeed, having an indigenous ballistic missile gives Ukraine the ability to strike long-range targets, thus increasing its deterrent capability in the face of Russian aggression. According to some sources, including Mykhailo Podoliak, advisor to the President’s Chief of Staff, the missile would have a range of around 600 to 700 kilometers.
This range would enable Ukraine to cover a large part of Russian territory, including strategic military infrastructure. The fact that the missile is entirely developed and produced in Ukraine also strengthens the country’s military independence, reducing its dependence on foreign suppliers and the constraints associated with them.
Context: Western arms limitations and reliance on national systems
Since the start of the large-scale Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine has received substantial military aid from its Western partners, notably the USA, the UK and other NATO members. However, these allies have imposed strict restrictions on the use of the weapons supplied, particularly as regards their use inside Russian territory. This policy is aimed at avoiding an escalation of the conflict that could lead to a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia.
Faced with these limitations, Ukraine has turned to developing its own weapons systems, in particular drones and long-range missiles. These indigenous systems enable Ukraine to conduct in-depth offensive operations, targeting strategic Russian military installations such as air bases, ammunition depots and command centers.
For example, Ukraine has used domestically-manufactured drones to carry out attacks on sites in Crimea, a region annexed by Russia in 2014, and even on targets several hundred kilometers inside Russia. These operations demonstrate the operational capability of indigenous systems and their strategic importance for Ukraine.
The use of indigenous systems also offers Ukraine increased tactical flexibility. By producing and developing its own weapons, the country can rapidly adapt its capabilities to battlefield requirements, integrate new technologies and reduce delays linked to international supply chains.
Investment and focus on missile and drone programs
Defense Minister Rustem Umierov emphasized Ukraine’s focus on developing missile and drone programs. Speaking at the forum in Kyiv, he said: “We are recently focusing on missile and drone programs. By the end of this year or next, you’ll be hearing a lot about a major missile program. We’ve already started work on ballistic missiles.”
Umierov revealed that the Ministry of Defense invested up to $4 billion (around €3.8 billion) in local defense production last year. This massive investment is aimed at boosting the national defense industry, creating jobs and strengthening national security.
The Minister also mentioned work on establishing long-term contracts with Ukrainian arms manufacturers. The aim is to conclude agreements over 2 to 5 years, with the ambition of extending these contracts over a 10-year period. This strategy is designed to provide stability and predictability for the industry, thus encouraging innovation and investment in research and development.
In addition, Umierov stressed the importance of simplifying procedures and streamlining the system to speed up the production and delivery of military equipment. This includes reducing bureaucratic hurdles and implementing more efficient processes to support ongoing military operations.
Technical details and capabilities of the Ukrainian ballistic missile
Although the exact specifications of the new Ukrainian ballistic missile remain confidential, some information has been shared by officials. According to Mykhailo Podoliak, the missile will have a range of around 600 to 700 kilometers. This range places the missile in the category of short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM), capable of covering significant distances.
The development of such a missile requires advanced aerospace expertise, including mastery of propulsion systems, guidance and materials technologies to withstand the extreme conditions of ballistic flight. In addition, the integration of advanced navigation systems, such as GPS or inertial systems, is essential to ensure the missile’s accuracy.
Ukraine’s ability to develop a missile with these characteristics despite the logistical and technological challenges imposed by the conflict is a testament to the competence of its engineers and scientists. It also underlines the effectiveness of investment in military research and development.
In comparative terms, the missile’s range would hit deep strategic targets in Russia, including logistics centers, communications infrastructures and key military installations. This provides Ukraine with an additional deterrent option and the ability to respond proportionately to Russian actions.
Strategic consequences and international implications
The successful development of the Ukrainian ballistic missile has significant strategic implications. Firstly, it strengthens Ukraine’s deterrent capability, demonstrating to Russia that the country now has indigenous means to retaliate in the event of conflict escalation. This new capability could potentially influence the Kremlin’s strategic calculations.
Secondly, it puts Ukraine’s Western allies in an awkward position. While supporting Ukraine’s right to defend itself, they fear an escalation that could lead to a wider confrontation. The use of ballistic missiles to strike Russian territory could be perceived as a major provocation, increasing international tensions.
Thirdly, the development of these capabilities could prompt other countries in the region to strengthen their own military arsenals, potentially leading to an arms race. This raises concerns about regional stability and long-term security in Eastern Europe.
Finally, on an international level, Ukraine may consider commercializing its military technologies in the future, thus becoming a player in the global arms market. This could have positive economic implications for the country, while strengthening its strategic partnerships.
Increased weapons production and future efforts
In addition to ballistic missile development, Ukraine has significantly increased its production of ammunition and other weapons systems. According to President Zelenskyy, in the first half of this year, Ukraine produced 25 times more ammunition for artillery and mortars than in the whole of 2022. This massive increase is essential to support intensive military operations against Russian forces.
In addition, Ukraine is now producing up to 20 Bohdana artillery systems per month. The Bohdana is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer, capable of firing at distances of over 40 kilometers. These systems have been successfully deployed on the frontline, offering increased firepower and mobility to Ukrainian forces.
Ukraine has also introduced new weapon systems such as the Palianytsia missile-drone, a class of long-range weapon that combines the characteristics of a missile and a drone. These systems offer additional operational flexibility, enabling precise strikes on moving or static targets.
These developments reflect a strategy aimed at diversifying and modernizing Ukraine’s military arsenal, based on domestic technologies. This reduces dependence on imports and enables a rapid response to changing battlefield needs.
Long-term investments and post-war plans
Minister Umierov stressed the need for long-term investment to support and develop Ukraine’s defense industry. He mentioned discussions with the Budget Committee of the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian parliament) to secure increased financial support for next year.
The establishment of 10-year contracts with manufacturers is envisaged to ensure economic stability and encourage companies to invest in advanced production capabilities. This approach aims to create a solid industrial base that can not only meet current defense needs, but also contribute to the country’s post-war economic reconstruction.
Umierov also stressed the importance of simplifying systems and streamlining procedures to facilitate business with domestic and international manufacturers. This includes reducing regulatory barriers and improving transparency in procurement processes.
Looking to the post-conflict future, Ukraine is seeking to become a major exporter of defense technologies. This could strengthen its geopolitical position and offer significant economic opportunities. In addition, a robust defense industry will contribute to long-term national security, offering strategic autonomy.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.