Austria's Expert Urges Europe to Support Ukraine's Missile Production

Gustav Gressel, a military analyst and instructor at the National Defence Academy of Austria, emphasized the necessity for Ukraine to possess reliable munitions for deep strikes into Russian territory. Gressel stated that ballistic missiles present the best opportunity to penetrate Russian air defenses. During an exclusive interview with Ukrinform, Gressel highlighted the current deficit in manufacturing capabilities for ballistic missiles within Europe. He pointed out that only Turkey currently produces short-range ballistic missiles, while the UK has only recently initiated its own project. According to Gressel, it is critical for European countries to collaborate with Ukraine to fill this gap, enabling the production of these missiles not just during the ongoing conflict but also as a deterrent in the post-war landscape. Gressel specifically criticized the Ukrainian “Flamingo” cruise missiles, acknowledging their range and powerful warhead, yet pointing out their significant size and weight, which compromises their flight altitude and vulnerability to anti-aircraft defenses. He noted recent evidence suggesting that “Flamingo” missiles have occasionally not hit their intended targets accurately. He argued that attacks on targets outside of city limits may have political motivations, aimed at preventing a narrative where Ukraine bombards urban areas. Gressel proposed that European assistance could help improve the accuracy of the “Flamingo” missiles, particularly since many research institutions and defense companies are located in urban centers where precise targeting is essential. This call for enhanced support comes at a time when Ukraine continues to seek more advanced weaponry to bolster its defenses and strike capabilities against Russian forces. Strengthening Ukraine’s missile production can play a pivotal role in regional security and deterrence strategies. Improving Ukraine's ballistic missile production capabilities could significantly shift the balance in the ongoing conflict. As Ukraine strives to enhance its military resilience, international partnerships will be key to its future security framework.