Ukraine develops Trembita self-funded missile amid fears of reduced U.S. aid

The Telegraph reported the information.

With just three weeks before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, President Joe Biden's administration is accelerating weapons deliveries to Ukraine, anticipating Trump might follow through on threats to reduce or end aid. In response, Ukraine is rapidly advancing the development of domestically produced, self-funded weapons to ensure its military autonomy, regardless of future U.S. support.

“Ukraine’s new Trembita cruise missile might be the biggest symbol of its drive for firepower autonomy,” the outlet noted.

At seven feet long and 200 pounds, the ramp-launched Trembita resembles a modern, smaller version of Nazi Germany’s V-1 buzz bomb. Powered by a pulse jet engine, it features a simple tube-shaped fuselage, square wings, and GPS guidance, with its key advantage being its low cost.

The Trembita, under development since 2023, costs $10,000, with a 90-mile range and 40-pound warhead. PARS, the Ukrainian firm that builds the Trembita, is developing a longer-range version capable of reaching Moscow, 400 miles away, and still far cheaper than the $1 million ATACMS.

Ukraine can feasibly produce thousands of affordable Trembitas independently, unlike its pricier domestically developed weapons like Hrim-2 ballistic missiles and Neptune cruise missiles.

“To match the massive Russian bombardment of Ukrainian cities, bases, powerplants, and factories – attacks that have killed or wounded thousands of Ukrainians – Ukraine needs to massively scale up its own bombardment of Russian cities, bases, refineries and factories,” the Telegraph emphasized.

The Trembita cannot match the payload, precision, or penetrating power of advanced Western munitions like ATACMS, Storm Shadow, or SCALP-EG. Its smaller size and lower accuracy would force Ukraine to adapt its targeting strategy.

While Trembitas could effectively hit large, surface-level targets like factories, they are less suited for fortified underground bunkers targeted by Western missiles. However, having its own arsenal ensures Ukraine can continue striking critical targets, even if foreign supplies dwindle.

The Biden administration has a limited window to deliver additional weapons to Kyiv, and it’s making the most of it. Yet, Ukraine understands these supplies are finite, and the day will come when external support wanes. Preparing for greater self-reliance, Ukraine is building its own arsenal to ensure it can sustain its defense and continue the fight on its own terms.