Ukraine's Trembita missile: A key to long-range autonomy
According to The Telegraph, the Ukrainian authorities are increasing efforts related to the production of long-range weapons, which may prove invaluable if support from the West diminishes. Particular attention is drawn to the Trembita cruise missile, which has a range of over 600 kilometres.
This is not the first time we've heard about this Ukrainian weapon. Information about the Trembita cruise missile already appeared in the first half of 2023. Tests of one version of this missile were conducted at that time.
The Trembita cruise missile
The Trembita is capable of carrying 20 kilograms of explosives. Currently, it can reach a distance of about 140 kilometres, but Ukrainian plans suggest it will become a far more powerful weapon. Findings from The Telegraph indicate that work is underway on a version capable of covering even 650 kilometres, ensuring it could reach Moscow.
"Ukraine’s new Trembita cruise missile might be the biggest symbol of its drive for firepower autonomy. Anticipating the day when it will run out of bespoke American munitions – most notably, 190-mile-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) ballistic missiles – Ukraine is getting ready to build Trembitas and other long-range deep-strike munitions. Lots of them," writes The Telegraph.
The cost of a single Trembita missile is approximately £8,100. If production of the extended-range version begins, the cost will likely be much higher, but despite this, Ukrainians can prepare the cheapest long-range ammunition in the world. The Telegraph reminds us that the cost of using a single American ATACMS missile exceeds £810,000.
Long-range weapons in Ukrainian hands
Besides ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System), Ukrainians currently also have Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles supplied by the UK and France. Although they allow for striking targets several hundred kilometres away, they have much more potent warheads and handle bypassing Russian air defences well. The problem lies in limited supplies, which are insufficient to meet Ukrainians' needs, let alone conduct a larger offensive campaign on Russian territory.
Concerns in Kyiv are also raised by other issues. While London and Paris continuously declare assistance, Washington's approach remains unknown. There have been multiple signals that the new U.S. administration may limit military aid to Ukraine, something Donald Trump spoke about during his election campaign.
