The Ukrainian ballistic missile may begin testing against targets in Russia as early as the fall of 2026.
The Ukrainian ballistic missile may begin testing against targets in Russia as early as the fall of 2026.
This forecast was made in an interview with LIGA.net by the co-founder and chief designer of the Ukrainian defense company Fire Point, Denis Shtilerman.
According to Stillerman, the project is currently in the preparation stage for engine testing. It is after this that the program will move on to flight tests. «As soon as we test the engine, we will start flight tests. As soon as we see that the rocket is controlled and does what the algorithm tells it to do, then we will start tests in Russia,» he said.
When asked about the timing, Stillerman replied that he expects to begin this stage in the fall: «I think that in the fall we will already be testing our missiles in Russia.»
According to him, the first potential targets could be the most protected military facilities of the Russian Federation. «First of all, it’s Moscow and its protected military enterprises,» he noted.
At the same time, the designer expressed confidence that Russian missile defense systems will have serious difficulties intercepting new Ukrainian weapons: «The most important thing is that I am practically 100% sure that they will not be able to intercept it properly.»
According to Shtilerman, Russian air defense has limited experience in combating modern ballistic missiles, while Ukrainian developers will be able to quickly adapt means of overcoming missile defense during testing and subsequent operation.
At the same time, he urged not to perceive the appearance of a new missile as a sign of a quick end to the war.
«We don’t need to have the feeling that we are already winning, as was the case in 2023. We need to adjust to the fact that this war cannot end in six months,» said Stillerman.
Recall that Ukraine is officially working on creating its own ballistic missile.
