Does Ukraine have alternative to ATACMS? Defense Express explains

He shared this on Espreso TV.  

"Of course, in these turbulent times, many reports emerge citing unspecified sources. There’s a number being mentioned—40 ATACMS missiles, supposedly. Could they have run out? Possibly. Is this good or bad? I’d say it’s actually a positive sign. First, it sends an informational message, including to the Russians, especially amid Witkoff’s visit—saying, 'They’re gone now, but what happens next depends on you.' On the other hand, what does this mean for Ukraine? It means that as we develop more of our own capabilities, the restrictions only free our hands, particularly if U.S. efforts don’t achieve their intended goals," he said.  

Riabykh emphasized that Ukraine’s primary task remains to defend against aggression, weaken Russia's military potential, and create conditions for achieving its strategic goals. According to him, Ukraine now has a growing arsenal of tools to accomplish this—offering a much broader range of capabilities than before.

"In the past, we had very, very few options—essentially only the Neptune missile, which could conditionally be considered a similar capability, along with the Soviet-era Tochka missiles. Now, we have a wide range of strike drone systems with varying operational ranges, including those that can confidently operate at distances of up to 2,000 kilometers. This also includes so-called 'missile drones'—essentially small-class cruise missiles—with an entire lineup featuring different capabilities and customization options for specific targets. Moreover, when it comes to unmanned systems, we are talking about both classic fixed-wing UAVs with rotary engines and those with jet engines, offering entirely new possibilities," the military expert explained.  

He noted that thanks to new technological advancements, Ukraine has made significant progress in the field of weaponry.  

"Take, for example, the Trembita missile, which was recently showcased at the Defense Innovation Forum in Kyiv. While conceptually similar to Germany’s V-1 from the 1940s, it represents a new technological stage. This system allows for rapid scaling and comes at a low cost—each basic missile costs just a few thousand dollars. All of this is the result of Ukraine’s evolving technological capabilities. So, despite the losses, we also have substantial gains. Even under the current circumstances, Ukraine retains its agency and is emerging as a regional player. What’s more, Ukraine has taken on new significance for Europe. And, most importantly, Europe has now realized it," Riabykh concluded.

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