Ukraine's new grom-2 missile: A game changer in the conflict

More details are emerging about the new Ukrainian ballistic missile. Mykhailo Podolyak, the advisor to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, revealed in an interview with "Novina Live" that it would be a weapon with a range of 600-700 kilometres. This means that, with its help, Ukrainians will be able to attack targets deep within Russia, and even Moscow will be within its reach. What else is known about these ballistic missiles?

On 27 August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the successful first test of the new Ukrainian ballistic missile. However, he did not reveal many details about it. His advisor, Mykhailo Podolyak, later stated in an interview that it would have a range of 600-700 kilometres.

According to the Defence Express service, the missile will enable the attack of "interesting objects" on Russian territory. Its range will include Moscow and the strategic Russian military aviation base Engels near Saratov, where Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers are stationed.

WP Tech journalist Przemysław Juraszek reported that the new Grom-2 ballistic missile is the equivalent of the Russian Iskander-M. Ukrainians have been working on this missile for about two decades, and its first test launch took place in 2018. Special launchers can carry grom-2 missiles, and their massive warheads ensure high effectiveness even if they miss the target by dozens of metres.

During tests conducted in 2023, Ukrainians successfully launched the Grom-2 missile. It is possible that the same rocket was used to strike the Russian airbase Saki in Crimea in 2022. The Ukrainian army is still working on improving this weapon, especially in the context of GPS signal jamming, which can complicate precise missile guidance.

Grom-2 is expected to be a significant element of the Ukrainian arsenal in long-term armed conflicts. The missile's successful test is also crucial for the Ukrainian defence industry, which operates in war.