forbes.com
Ukraine Refurbishes Soviet-Era Missiles for Use Against Russia
Despite possessing only 90 active Tochka-U ballistic missiles in 2024, down from 500 in 1991, Ukraine's 19th Missile Brigade continues to use them against Russia, refurbishing old missiles likely at the Yuzhmash complex in Dnipro, enabling sporadic but powerful attacks.
- How is Ukraine's ability to restore and utilize these older missiles impacting the dynamics of the war?
- The refurbishment of Soviet-era Tochka-U missiles reveals Ukraine's resourcefulness in the face of ongoing conflict. The ability of Yuzhmash, despite Russian attacks, to rebuild these older missiles highlights the resilience of its rocket industry and its importance to Ukrainian military capabilities. This contrasts with the focus on developing the newer Hrim-2 missile.
- What is the significance of Ukraine's continued use of refurbished Tochka-U missiles in the ongoing conflict?
- Ukraine's 19th Missile Brigade, despite a decline to 90 active Tochka-U ballistic missiles in 2024 from 500 in 1991, continues using them against Russian forces. These missiles, which were originally made in Russia, are being refurbished, likely by the Yuzhmash complex in Dnipro, enabling sporadic yet powerful attacks.
- What are the long-term implications of Ukraine's capacity to refurbish and utilize Tochka-U missiles, given their parallel development of more advanced systems like the Hrim-2?
- Ukraine's capacity to refurbish Tochka-U missiles points to an adaptable defense strategy. While prioritizing the Hrim-2 development, Ukraine has maintained a crucial short-term capability by leveraging existing resources. The sporadic nature of their use, however, suggests limitations in the speed of refurbishment compared to the pace of missile expenditure.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the refurbishment of Tochka-U missiles as a remarkable feat of ingenuity and resilience on the part of the Ukrainian military. The emphasis on the technical aspects, the clandestine nature of the operation, and the successful use of the missiles in combat all contribute to a positive portrayal of this activity. The headline or introduction could have emphasized the challenges and the inherent risks involved equally, or perhaps the article could have explored the limitations of this solution, which is presented more positively.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and factual, focusing on technical details and verifiable information. However, phrases like "remarkable feat of ingenuity" and "powerful—but sporadically," could be considered subtly positive, while phrases like "crude but powerful" and "toxic, explosive and extremely unsafe to handle" may introduce a slight negative connotation to the missiles. More neutral wording could be used such as "effective yet limited," instead of "powerful—but sporadically.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the technical aspects and logistical challenges of refurbishing Tochka-U missiles, but it omits discussion of the human cost and potential risks involved in handling these toxic and explosive weapons. It also doesn't explore the ethical implications of using refurbished weaponry in a war zone, or alternative strategies Ukraine might employ. The article's concentration on the technical feasibility overshadows broader societal and moral questions.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of Ukraine's military options, implying a clear choice between using refurbished Tochka-U missiles and developing the Hrim-2. It doesn't fully explore the possibility of other weapon systems or strategies that Ukraine could be using.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the continued use of Tochka-U ballistic missiles by the Ukrainian army against Russian targets. This highlights the ongoing conflict and instability in the region, undermining peace and security. The refurbishment of old missiles, while a testament to Ukrainian resilience, also indicates a prolonged conflict with associated human cost and resource depletion. The targeting of the Yuzhmash complex by Russian forces further exacerbates the instability and violence.