Ukraine Reveals Missile—But What’s the Hidden Truth?

This development is notable, as Ukraine has received a range of Western military aid, including long-range missiles such as Storm and Scalp. However, these weapons are often subject to restrictions and require pre-approval from Western partners. In contrast, Ukraine’s domestic production of ballistic missiles gives it greater autonomy in terms of military capabilities.

Ukraine’s military industry is experiencing a surge in innovation, with an estimated 1.5-2 million drones to be produced this year. However, funding remains a significant challenge, with crowdfunded drones filling the gap. The demand for these innovative technologies is high, driven by a convergence of factors including money, need, and iteration. Ukraine’s economic growth has led to an influx of funds, freeing up resources for R&D and innovation.

The development of ballistic missiles has sparked concerns, particularly in the context of Russia’s military capabilities. However, it also offers Ukraine a means to assert its own military capabilities, rather than relying on Western aid. This could lead to a new era of military innovation in Ukraine, with a focus on domestic production and development.

The question remains, however, what exactly is a ballistic missile? Simply put, a ballistic missile is a weapon that spends most of its time in flight being unpowered, like an artillery shell. Short-range ballistic missiles, like Ukraine’s reported development, have a range of around 620 miles or less. This could potentially put a significant portion of Russian territory, including Moscow, within reach.