Ukraine could launch its own ballistic missiles against Russian territory within the next few months, according to former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
The development of domestic long-range strike capabilities would reduce Ukraine's reliance on foreign weapon systems and allow for more flexible targeting of Russian infrastructure.
Fedorov said that the capability could be realized within three to six months [1]. In other statements, he said that Ukraine could use these missiles by the end of 2026 [2]. The timeline suggests a rapid acceleration of domestic military engineering to meet the demands of the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine aims to develop these systems to ensure it remains competitive as the war evolves. The strategy focuses on outpacing the adversary in terms of hardware and software integration.
"We need to defeat Russia in every technological cycle, and we have to make decisions 24/7," Fedorov said.
The push for indigenous ballistic missiles is part of a broader effort to maintain pressure on Russian forces. By producing weapons locally, Ukraine avoids some of the political restrictions often attached to the use of Western-supplied long-range munitions, restrictions that have historically limited where Ukraine can strike within Russian borders.
Fedorov said that the ability to iterate on technology quickly is essential for survival. This approach involves constant testing and deployment of new systems to counter Russian defensive adaptations.
The former minister did not provide specific technical details regarding the range or payload of the missiles. However, the focus remains on creating a deterrent that can reach strategic targets deep inside Russia [1], [2].
“Ukraine could launch its own ballistic missiles against Russian territory within the next few months.”
The potential deployment of domestic ballistic missiles represents a shift toward strategic autonomy for Ukraine. While Western allies have provided various missile systems, the use of those weapons is often subject to strict geographic constraints. A home-grown missile program allows Kyiv to define its own target list and timing, potentially escalating the conflict's reach while forcing Russia to redistribute its air defense assets away from the front lines.
