Ukraine accelerates development of long-range Trembita missile
According to The Telegraph, Ukrainian authorities are intensifying their efforts to produce long-range weapons, which may prove invaluable if support from the West diminishes. Particular attention is focused on the Trembita cruise missile, which has a range of over 600 kilometres.
This is not the first mention of this Ukrainian weapon. Information about the Trembita cruise missile surfaced in the first half of 2023. Tests of one version of this missile were conducted at that time.
The Trembita cruise missile
Trembita is capable of carrying about 18 kilograms of explosives. Currently, it can reach a distance of approximately 140 kilometres, but Ukrainian plans suggest it will evolve into 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 $10,000 (CAD 14,400). If production of the extended-range version begins, the cost will likely rise significantly. Despite this, Ukrainians could produce the world's cheapest long-range ammunition. The Telegraph notes that using a single American ATACMS missile costs over $1 (CAD 1,4) million.
Long-range weapons in Ukrainian hands
In addition to ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System), Ukrainians currently have Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles supplied by the UK and France. While these missiles can strike targets several hundred kilometres away and possess powerful warheads capable of bypassing Russian air defences, the main issue is the limited supply, which falls short of meeting Ukrainians' needs, let alone conducting a larger offensive campaign on Russian territory.
Concerns in Kyiv are also heightened by other factors. While London and Paris consistently declare assistance, Washington's approach remains uncertain. There have been numerous signals that the new U.S. administration may limit military aid to Ukraine, something Donald Trump mentioned during his election campaign.
