Russia plans 800 km ballistic missile test to strain Ukraine defenses: expert

Key Points:

• Moscow is preparing to test a new ballistic missile with a range of up to 800 kilometers, potentially featuring advanced maneuverability that could challenge Ukraine’s air defenses, according to Ukrainian defense intelligence and analysts.
• The missile's terminal maneuvers may complicate interception efforts, requiring Ukraine to deploy more sophisticated missile defense systems to counter the threat.
• Russia may conduct live-fire missile tests targeting western Ukraine as part of operational testing during the ongoing conflict, which experts say is a wartime norm despite breaking peacetime protocols.
• The missile falls into a category previously banned by the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, from which the U.S. withdrew in 2019 due to alleged Russian violations.
• Ukrainian officials, including President Zelenskyy, have highlighted the growing strain on their air defenses amid sustained Russian missile attacks, with production of Russian missiles reportedly exceeding monthly targets by 110-120%.