Title: Ukrainian Air Force Boosts Firepower with Converted Missile System
Subtitle: Experts speculate on the secret behind Ukraine’s formidable ground-attack weapon
Date: [current date]
Byline: [author’s name]
[City], [Country] – The Ukrainian air force has reportedly repurposed its aging S-200 surface-to-air missile systems into powerful ground-attack weapons, unveiling a closely-guarded secret in the process. While the transformation process remains undisclosed, missile experts offer theories on how Ukraine has turned the S-200 missiles into their most potent deep-strike assets.
Trent Trelenko, a former quality auditor with the U.S. Defense Contract Management Agency and an expert on missile technology, speculated that Ukrainian technicians may have replaced the nose-mounted radar of the S-200’s 5V28 boost-glide rocket. He suggests that the radar from the new Grom-2 surface-to-surface missile, developed as a replacement for Ukraine’s existing Tochka-U ballistic missiles, could have been integrated into the converted S-200 missile system.
The Grom-2 missile, known for its advanced capabilities, features a scene-matching millimeter-wave radar that allows it to precisely alter its flight path towards a target. Trelenko pointed out that the 5V28 missile has ample space to accommodate the compact radar of the Grom-2, making it possible to enhance the missile’s capabilities further by incorporating a modern seeker and a heavier warhead.
This advancement has breathed new life into the retired 5V28 missiles, making them a formidable surface-strike weapon with an estimated range of approximately 250 miles, according to reliable sources. Some Russian propagandists, however, claim that these missiles can reach a range of 370 miles, fueling tensions between Ukraine and Russia. The extended range positions the 5V28 missiles as a threat to Russian forces not only in occupied Ukraine but also deep into Russia proper.
Recent incidents have demonstrated the reach of these converted missiles. Just two months ago, a Ukrainian 5V28 narrowly missed the Russian bomber base in Tagarong, situated only 20 miles from the Ukrainian border. Additionally, a separate strike by a 5V28 reportedly caused an explosion at an industrial site in Bryansk, approximately 110 miles inside Russian territory.
Russian authorities have claimed successful interceptions of 5V28 missiles, but skepticism remains high due to the lack of convincing evidence. The absence of footage showing vital indicators such as the distinct brown-black clouds produced by the missile’s propellant, known as AK27F/TG02, has raised doubts about the validity of these claims.
Experts explain that even the most advanced air defenses would struggle to intercept a missile traveling at Mach 4, and the speed of the 5V28 missile allows it to cover its maximum range of approximately 250 miles in just five minutes. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian air force has showcased its capability to intercept Russian Kinzhal missiles, reputedly faster than Mach 5, using American-made Patriot missiles.
As Ukraine continues to enhance its ground-attack weaponry, the situation in the region remains fluid. The strengthened firepower of the converted S-200 missiles presents new challenges and increases tensions in an already volatile situation between Ukraine and Russia.
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