Ukraine has taken an important step in the direction of military self -power. On June 13, the government of Volodimir Zelenski announced that her ballistic rocket with a short distance Sapsanalso known as HRIM-2has entered into a mass production phase.
The measure tries to respond to continuing delays in the delivery of Western weapons, while Russia intensifies their attacks with missiles and drones against civil objectives, such as advanced The KYIV Independent.
The development of the Sapsan represents, according to experts, a symbolic and strategic break with foreign freedom of choice: “It is a complete political explanation, a direct blow to the Kremlin discourse that Ukraine needs to be demilitarized” Ivan Kyrychevsky.
Manufactured by Ukrainian engineers, the projectile has already been successfully tested in the fight, A Russian military objective reach nearly 300 kilometers away.
The technical details of the rocket remain secret for security reasons, but it is estimated that it becomes an eye of more than more than more than more than more 480 kilos.
The design gives priority to the ability to destroy over Reach, making it a devastating weapon against critical infrastructure within the nearest Russian territory.
“The heavier the head of the war, the shorter the scope. But Ukraine is looking for a debilitating impact weapon for objectives within 300 to 500 kilometers,” said the analyst Federico Borsarifrom the Center for European Policy Analysis (Cepa).
Since the start of large scales Invasion in 2022, Moscow has used ballistic rockets with catastrophic effects. On June 17, one of these Russian projectiles caused at least 10 killing in an attack on a residential building in Kiev.
Ukraine, on the other hand, had only semi -talistist missiles such as ATACMS Americans.
Despite the initial fears of his European partners, KYIV has chosen to move forward without asking for permission.
“There are no red lines to cross if Russia is already launching ballistic rockets against civilian buildings“Said Kyrychevsky.
This logic has penetrated without its own resources in Europe: apart from France -which produces nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles -, no European country currently produces conventional short or average rockets.
For example, the United Kingdom does not produce the Trident This is displayed in your submarines.
Russia’s reaction to the appearance of Sapsan is still uncertain. Although his air defense has improved after looking at rockets like Stormshadow Or the ATACMS, the new Ukrainian projectile could surprise their systems.
“It will take time to adjust them software And his defense. That does not happen from one day to another“Warns Borsari.
Experts agree that the success of Sapsan will depend on both precision and the ability of Ukraine to produce it in considerable quantities.
It is estimated with a Annual production of between 80 and 100 unitsKYIV could retain an effective offensive campaign.
However, this requires the protection of the factories against possible Russian bombing, probably through underground facilitiesWhat a high cost and a large investment of time and resources implies.
The dedication to national industry is not limited to Sapsan. Zelenski revealed that more than in April 40% of the armament used by the Ukrainian army has already been made in the countryand the 95% of the drones There are also national descent on the front.
In addition, the improved versions of cruise rockets have resumed Neptune and a new rocket-dron is presented as Palianytsia.
In the meantime, Russia is not far behind. According to the Ukrainian military intelligence service, The Russian Balistic Rocket Production has increased at least 66% in the past yearIn a context of war that continues to climb technologically and in the number of civilian victims.
Sapsan’s entry is therefore a new phase in the war: a Ukraine that no longer expects, but produces. And he does it with a clear message to Moscow and his allies: if there are no rockets on the way, Kyiv will build them.
