Moscow is gearing up to conduct a final trial of a new ballistic missile capable of striking targets over vast distances. This missile may demonstrate maneuverability that could challenge Ukraine’s air defenses. A defense expert issued this warning recently.
Ukrainian military officials have indicated that Russia might conduct the test in the coming months. It could occur during live-fire strikes as well. Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, shared these insights at a meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council, according to Ukrainska Pravda.
“According to our estimates, Russia plans to conduct final tests of a new type of ballistic missile with a range of up to 800 km by the end of this year,” Skibitskyi stated.
Tom Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, highlighted the potential issues for Ukraine.
“If, for instance, this 800-kilometer missile has more advanced maneuverability, well then that’s going to create greater problems for Ukraine in that they’re going to need the more sophisticated interceptors to get them,” Karako told Fox News Digital.
The missile in question might perform maneuvers that make its trajectory difficult to predict, complicating Ukraine’s defense efforts. Karako noted the possibility that Russia might produce this missile more economically or in larger quantities.
Recent advancements in precision-guided munitions suggest that Russia could be launching a missile equipped with maneuvering reentry vehicles or other advanced features.
During missile test stages, it is customary for militaries to strive for increased maneuverability and precision. Ukrainian Defense Intelligence hinted that Russian forces may attempt strikes in western Ukraine during these tests.
Reviewing the context of international treaties, Karako referenced the now-defunct Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. This treaty, signed by President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987, prohibited ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 km and 5,500 km.
The U.S. withdrew from the treaty in 2019 due to alleged Russian violations. With this withdrawal, Russia’s development of missiles within the previously restricted range becomes an area of concern.
Missiles and artillery have played a significant role in Russia’s actions against Ukraine since the war began in 2022. Reports suggest that Russia’s missile production is exceeding monthly targets. The Kyiv Independent reported over 1,850 missile launches at Ukraine in 2026 up to late August.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has underscored the strain on Ukraine’s air defenses. In an interview, he emphasized the urgent need for interceptor missiles, particularly through the winter months.
Karako remarked on Russia’s mobilization of its defense industry to increase missile production. However, there are suggestions that Russia might be reserving some missiles.
For neighboring countries like Poland, Romania, and the Baltics, Russia’s missile developments pose serious concerns, emphasizing the geopolitical ramifications of the ongoing conflict.
Emma Bussey from Fox News Digital contributed to this article. Previously, she worked at The Telegraph across various desks, including politics and foreign news.
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