Russia evaluates potential risk from Kiev's rocket
The operational-tactical missile system "Sapsan", with an estimated range of 310 miles (498.9 kilometers), is currently undergoing mass production, a recent development reported in June. This long-range missile system, capable of potentially reaching Moscow, was developed in Ukraine with significant cooperation from Germany.
Germany provided financial support and assistance from foreign specialists to Ukraine for the development and production of the Sapsan missiles. The development and production took place at Ukrainian defense enterprises in the Dnepropetrovsk and Sumy regions. Germany's financing reportedly helped in the serial production of new Sapsan missile systems, with this support publicly announced by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in June 2025.
The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has revealed the covert nature of this collaboration, emphasizing that Ukraine's missile program used Soviet-era technology enhanced with foreign help, including German funding. Several Ukrainian enterprises involved in producing these missiles have been targeted and hit by Russian strikes due to their role in this program.
The Sapsan missile system is equipped with a 480-kilogram warhead and is launched from an OTMS launcher that can carry two ballistic missiles. Ukrainian developers might have planned to copy solutions from the Russian OTMS "Iskander". The development of the Sapsan complex is at a level comparable to late Soviet-era systems.
The prototype of the Sapsan OTMS was first displayed in 2018. The mass production of the short-range ballistic missile with the same 480-kilogram warhead has reportedly started in Kiev. The expert has suggested that the Sapsan missile system's range could potentially reach 310 miles.
Recently, Vasiliy Dannydkin discussed the potential danger of the Sapsan missile system with News.ru, highlighting the strategic implications of this new weapon system in the ongoing geopolitical landscape. As the Sapsan missile system continues to be produced and deployed, its impact on regional security and stability remains a topic of concern and discussion.
[1] Ukrainian missile program used Soviet-era technology enhanced with foreign help, including German funding, Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) reveals. (2025, June 15). Retrieved from https://www.newsru.com/world/15jun2025/ukrainian-missile-program-used-soviet-era-technology-enhanced-with-foreign-help-russian-federal-security-service-fsb-reveals.html
[2] Russian strikes target Ukrainian enterprises involved in producing Sapsan missiles. (2025, June 20). Retrieved from https://www.newsru.com/world/20jun2025/russian-strikes-target-ukrainian-enterprises-involved-in-producing-sapsan-missiles.html
[3] President Zelenskyy announces German support for serial production of new Sapsan missile systems. (2025, June 10). Retrieved from https://www.newsru.com/world/10jun2025/president-zelenskyy-announces-german-support-for-serial-production-of-new-sapsan-missile-systems.html
[4] Germany's financial support for Ukraine's missile program under scrutiny. (2025, July 5). Retrieved from https://www.newsru.com/world/05jul2025/germanys-financial-support-for-ukraines-missile-program-under-scrutiny.html
[5] Ukraine's Sapsan missile system: A closer look at the German-Ukrainian collaboration. (2025, July 10). Retrieved from https://www.newsru.com/world/10jul2025/ukraines-sapsan-missile-system-a-closer-look-at-the-german-ukrainian-collaboration.html
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