Ukraine is preparing to launch serial production of its domestically developed ballistic missile known as Sapsan or Hrim-2, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed during a meeting with journalists, after unofficial media reports.
Zelenskyy confirms production plans, timeline unclear
During the press briefing on 13 June, Zelenskyy addressed the recent emergence of information regarding the Sapsan missile. The President noted that work is ongoing toward mass production but emphasized that other details have been classified:
“Now we’re working on developing the capability for mass production of the ballistic missile. When, how, in what quantity—I can’t say,” he stated, as reported by Fakty ICTV on 14 June.
Earlier, speaking to United24, Defense Express analyst Ivan Kyrychevskyi claimed that despite frequent references to the missile system by its former project names as Sapsan or Hrim-2, it does not currently have an official name. He stated that earlier labels were primarily used for export marketing to Saudi Arabia prior to Russia’s all-out war, and now the missile remains officially nameless.
First media report: Tests completed, production begins
Earlier on 13 June, Liga published an article by Valentyn Badrak, director of the Center for Army, Conversion, and Disarmament Studies. According to Badrak, the missile underwent successful combat testing in May 2025 and is now being transitioned into serial production.
Badrak emphasized the missile’s combat readiness and described it as “a large, powerful weapon,” noting that its warhead weighs 480 kilograms. He cited military sources who reported no remaining barriers to mass production, stating that coordination between the Defense Ministry and Ministry of Strategic Industries has been achieved.
Ukraine new ballistic system “Sapsan” is faster than US-made ATACMS
“Faster than ATACMS”
Badrak also referred to a key earlier test in July 2024, where the Sapsan demonstrated a speed of 5.2 Mach. He stated that this performance makes it faster than the US ATACMS and close in capability to the Russian Iskander missiles.
Top defense priority for Ukraine
The same day, Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Anatoliy Klochko highlighted the strategic importance of the domestic missile program, stating,
“The issue of Ukrainian ballistics today is not first, second, or third—it’s out of line. It’s a top priority.”
He also said a great deal of work has already been completed in this area, with increased focus now being directed toward national ballistic capabilities.