According to recent statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the new locally developed Hrim-2 ballistic missile successfully passed its flight tests after several years of development. Although Ukraine has a stockpile of weapons donated by Western countries, this advancement allows Ukraine, despite its constraints, to reduce long-term dependency on its allies and strengthen its response capabilities against Russian attacks.
Although Zelensky did not provide further details about the missile, he emphasized that the results obtained so far have been positive. Prior to the flight tests, at the end of August, the Ukrainian Armed Forces had already confirmed that the missile passed other key trials.
It is important to note that Ukraine also has other ballistic missiles in service, such as the long-range ATACMS provided by the United States, which cannot be used against military units or targets within Russian territory. These systems were employed for the first time in October of last year when attacks were recorded within Ukrainian territory occupied by Russian forces.
In addition, Ukraine has pre-war missile reserves, such as the Tochka-U, a short-range tactical system with limited use for Kyiv. It has also adapted some older anti-aircraft defense missiles for ground attacks, although experts suggest that “they are not as effective as ballistic missiles specifically designed for that purpose.”
Hrim-2 Features
Regarding the Hrim-2 system, Ukraine began developing it in the late 2000s, giving it a significant boost after Russia’s invasion of Crimea in 2014. The first known propulsion system tests took place four years later, although it is unclear whether these tests were conducted with a mock-up. The system was showcased during a military parade that same year, several years before any real test results were publicly discussed.
Although information about the Hrim-2 is limited, the ballistic missile is estimated to have a range of approximately 500 kilometers (around 300 miles). However, analysts point out that this range is not enough to reach Moscow, but it does allow Ukraine to threaten Russian targets from within its own territory.
An expert also highlighted that Hrim-2 ground launchers “could remain hidden almost anywhere when not in use, move to their launch points under cover of darkness, and quickly relocate after firing.”
Lastly, as a precedent for these tests, in March 2023, Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported that Ukraine had used Hrim-2 missiles and that its air defense systems intercepted them. At the time, a spokesperson for the ministry stated: “Today, we intercepted a Hrim-2 ballistic missile and three HIMARS projectiles in the areas of Novoandriyivka and Zeleny Hay.”
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