Russian air defenses have intercepted a Ukraine Grom-2 tactical ballistic missile for the first time, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced on March 30.
“During the day, one Grom-2 operational-tactical missile, three HIMARS multiple rocket launchers were intercepted, and two Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed in the areas of the settlements of Novoandeyevka and Zelyony Gai of the Donetsk People’s Republic,”
the ministry said in a statement.
The incident marks the first time Russia has confirmed the use of the Grom-2, which is not known to be in service with Kiev forces, since the start of the special military operation in Ukraine more than a year ago.
The development of the Grom-2, which is also known as the Hrim-2, can be traced back to the early 1990s. However, serious work on the system began after 2013, with Ukraine’s Pivdenne Design Office leading the project. After the outbreak of the war in the Donbass region in 2014, the project received more support. In 2016, reports of a Saudi partnership emerged online.
The Grom-2 transporter erector launcher was showcased in 2018 during a parade in Kiev. Each vehicle could carry and launch two missiles.
The tactical ballistic missile, which was still in development when Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine on 24 February 2022, is said to have a maximum range of 500 kilometers and a warhead weighing 500 kg. Several guidance systems were reportedly being developed for the missile, with the main one utilizing satellite-aided inertial navigation.
There were speculations about the Grom-2 being used in a large attack that targeted Russia’s Saky Air Base in the Crimean Peninsula on 9 August 2022.
Ukraine has not yet confirmed or denied the use of Grom-2 missiles. Work on the system may have been completed after the start of the Russian special operation with some support from Kiev’s allies in the West, who possess advanced missile capabilities. The missiles’ range would enable Kiev forces to threaten vast parts of Russia, including the capital city of Moscow.
Russia could respond to the use of the Grom-2 by targeting the facilities of the Pivdenne Design Office and other contractors involved in the development of the tactical ballistic missile.
Source: South Front
