Ukraine Needs Its Own Ballistic Missile—Propaganda Can't Stop It, Says General Gavrilov.

Why Ukraine Must Advance Its Ballistic Missile Program

According to Espreso.tv: Retired Major General Volodymyr Gavrilov has argued that Ukraine urgently needs to develop a domestic ballistic missile program to deter Russia. He pointed out that Russia's defenses against ballistic missiles are weak, noting there have been no confirmed cases of its S-400 system successfully intercepting a ballistic target. Gavrilov stressed the importance of building a Ukrainian ballistic missile that cannot be neutralized by propaganda or loud political statements.

Gavrilov, who served as Deputy Minister of Defense from 2022 to 2023 and headed the Yevhenii Berezniak Military-Diplomatic Academy from 2014 to 2015, highlighted the global shortage of modern interceptors. According to him, the Patriot system's effectiveness ranges from 50 to 80%, while for Russia's S-400, even a 10% success rate in intercepting a ballistic missile would be a major achievement.

'We must move quickly to turn our ballistic program into reality' - Volodymyr Gavrilov

A Strategic Approach to Defense

This statement underscores the need to accelerate work on Ukraine's ballistic program amid current security challenges. Gavrilov also emphasized the importance of demonstrating the potential of Ukrainian ballistic missiles to strengthen the country's defense capabilities.

Gavrilov's remarks reflect a strategic approach to Ukraine's defense in the face of ongoing threats from Russia. Developing a domestic ballistic missile capability could become a key factor in ensuring national security and deterring aggression. Given the limited effectiveness of Russian air defense systems, Ukraine has an opportunity to bolster its defenses and showcase its military potential on the international stage.