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Sapsan Ballistic Missiles in Mass Production: Ukraine Promises More “Surprises” for Russia
Ukraine has begun mass production of its domestically developed Sapsan short-range ballistic missile, Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President, said in an interview with The Times on June 23, promising further surprises after the system’s first combat deployment last month.
Yermak emphasized that the rapid success of the Sapsan program reflects Ukraine’s maturing defense industry.
“Every Russian must feel what it is like in constant danger,” he said, alluding to further operations beyond the Operation Spider’s Web drone strikes on Russian airbases earlier this month.
Asked whether the Sapsan could reach Moscow, Yermak replied, “Things are moving very well. I think we will be able to surprise our enemies on many occasions.”
While export variants are capped at a 300 km (185 miles) range to comply with Missile Technology Control Regime limits, domestic versions are believed to extend as far as 500 km (310 miles).
Officially designated the Operational-Tactical Missile System Hrim-2, the Sapsan carries a 480 kg warhead—more than double the payload of the US Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS)—and travels at speeds exceeding Mach 5.
First used in combat last month, the missile struck a military target approximately 185 miles inside Russian-held territory. Ukrainian officials have declined to confirm the full operational range but note its potential to alter strategic dynamics along the front line, according to The Times.
Yermak also called for a “package” of American weapons with air defense as the priority, suggesting funding could come from European allies or seized Russian assets. His remarks come as NATO leaders prepare to convene in The Hague, where defense spending and Ukraine’s security needs will top the agenda.
Earlier this month it was reported that Sapsan entered combat use, boasting a 300-kilometer range and warhead capacity surpassing ATACMS in its operational debut.
