Kyiv has unveiled the Hrim-2, a new ballistic missile developed by the Ukrainian industry that could potentially open a new chapter for the country's armed forces. The technical characteristics of this missile, along with the absence of political restrictions on its use, could significantly alter the operational balance on the front lines.
Kyiv's long-range attack capabilities seem to have reached a turning point. On June 6, a new domestically developed ballistic missile was revealed. This missile was reportedly field-tested in May when it successfully struck a command center of the Russian armed forces. The system in question is the Hrim-2 (an unofficial name initially used for export purposes), developed by the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau and produced by Yuzhmash in the city of Dnipro. It appears to be ready for mass production.
Designed as a counterpart to the Russian Iskander system, the Hrim-2 is equipped with a conventional 400-kilogram warhead and has a maximum range of 300 kilometers in its export configuration. The domestic version, however, can reach up to 500 kilometers, a limit that Ukrainian officials suggest could be exceeded in the future. Both the range and the explosive payload are significant strengths of this new weapon system. Additionally, its precision is noteworthy.
"People often ask why we didn't reuse the old Pivdenmash missiles," said Defense Express analyst Ivan Kyrychevskyi.
"The answer is: they weren't precise enough. To match something like the Russian Iskander, you need completely different class electronics." In the past, the Ukrainian defense industry faced issues with military electronics, but recent advancements suggest significant progress, as confirmed by the successful tests of the Hrim-2. Mounted on a mobile platform, the Hrim-2 can be rapidly deployed and hidden after an attack.