Ukraine has modified the S-200 air defense system for long-range ground strikes, with a range of up to 500 km.
Ukrainian military designers have repurposed the S-200 anti-aircraft missile system, which will now function as a long-range surface-to-surface weapon. These modified missiles will be used to defeat Russian troops in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
Originally developed in the 1960s by the Soviet design bureau Diamant, the S-200 was designed for operations against American strategic bombers. The Ukrainian military decommissioned these systems at the end of 2013 due to their “moral and physical obsolescence,” but reintroduced them in 2018.
The modified missile has now been adapted by Ukrainian designers to perform surface-to-surface combat missions. The modified S-200 missile weighs approximately 7108 kg at takeoff and can deliver a 217 kg high explosive warhead.
The rocket is powered by a 5D67 liquid propellant rocket engine and is supported by four solid rocket boosters that are separated after the launch phase. The missile’s navigation systems were supplemented with GPS and inertial guidance to improve accuracy.
The modified S-200 has a range of up to 300 km against air targets and a range of up to 500 km against ground targets.
Ukraine has also modified launch platforms to increase the missile’s mobility, making it a more versatile weapon. This modification will speed up deployment and increase operational flexibility.
By repurposing the S-200 systems, Ukraine has not only extended the service life of its existing arsenal, but also added a new dimension to its offensive capabilities. Moreover, this development is part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to localize the production of defense equipment.
Ukraine’s adaptation of the S-200 missile system to strike ground targets has a number of advantages:
- Ukraine can use existing infrastructure and logistics to speed up deployment and reduce costs.
- The S-200 has a long history of reliable service, which inspires confidence in its ability to deliver effective ground strikes.
- This modification adds to the system’s operational versatility, allowing it to serve as both an air defense and ground attack system. It can also improve interoperability between air defense and ground attacks, making command and control more effective during complex military battles.
- The use of the S-200 for ground strikes will introduce an element of tactical surprise, thereby increasing the chances of success.
This missile system includes a two-stage missile with a semi-active homing radar system, it is available in various versions, including 5V21, 5V28 and 5V28V. The 5V28V variant has the following characteristics: weight 7100 kg, length 10800 mm, maximum range 300 km, flight altitude up to 40,000 meters and maximum speed 8 Mach (9,800 km/h).
