na.mil.gov.ua
The process from blueprints to manufacture may take some time.
Ukraine has purchased the necessary foreign-made equipment for setting up a closed cycle production of missiles for Buk missile systems and new medium-range surface-to-air missile systems.
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"Today, [Ukraine's] anti-aircraft missile troops have the Buk-M1 anti-aircraft missile systems and S-300 surface-to-air missile systems of various modifications. This is second-hand equipment, maintenance is provided by repair teams, while designers are constantly working on its modernization," the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Narodna Armia news outlet reported.
In addition, Ukrainian enterprises are actively improving the old 9M38M1 model of Buk missiles. Particular attention is being paid to engines and solid rocket fuel whose quality and condition impact greatly on acceleration, speed and range of hitting the target.
The process from blueprints to the manufacture of missiles may take some time.
"State-run Research-Industrial Complex Pavlograd Chemical Plant has developed new mixed solid propellant with improved performance, which is being tested now. It is expected that the speed of the missiles and range will be increased significantly due to some changes in their software and new propellant powders. If testers are satisfied with the surface-to-air missile systems, the 'refueling' of the repaired missiles will begin immediately after the testing. Subsequently, these powders will be used for new systems," the publication said.
The Buk multifunctional medium-range anti-aircraft missile system (its latest modernized model is the Buk-M1-2) is designed to destroy strategic and tactical aircraft, cruise missiles, helicopters and other aerial vehicles (depending on modernization). The system can be used for air defense of troops, military facilities, important administrative, industrial and other areas (centers) against massive air attacks. It may be also used as a ballistic missile defense module.