Recently, Oleksiy Reznikov hinted that the Ukrainian military has every chance to surprise the occupiers with new weapons by the end of this year. Most likely, the minister was referring to the Sapsan. Its development began in Ukraine in 2006 at the facilities of the Pivdenne Design Bureau.
The weight of the warhead of the Sapsan missile is 480 kg. Two tactical missiles can easily destroy an enemy air base. The system can strike with four types of missiles. It was shown to the general public during a parade in the capital of Ukraine in 2021. At that time, the Sapsan’s readiness was estimated at 80%.
According to experts, the Sapsan could become one of the main tools in the operation to de-occupy the territory of Crimea. It could be used to destroy enemy defenses, close the peninsula from the north and destroy air bases.