A new missile threat to Kyiv: why does Russia want to use the “Bal” anti-ship complex

Kyiv may once again face the danger of new missile strikes from Russia. Information about the redeployment of the division of anti-ship missile complexes "Bal" to the Bryansk region is being actively discussed in social networks. According to experts, the complex is capable of launching X-35 and X-35U missiles with a range of 260 and 500 kilometers. Due to the shortage of other types of missiles, the Russians can use them to shell the territory of Ukraine, which poses a direct threat to the capital.

According to the National Resistance Center, the division of the “Bal” missile complex has been redeployed to the Bryansk region.

The division is designed to destroy ships. However, due to the lack of suitable missiles, "Bal" was equaled in terms of range and the ability to fire at land targets with the "Bastion" coastal missile system, which uses the "Onyx" supersonic missile.

For this purpose, the complex is equipped with the X-35/35U missiles, which were upgraded in 2021 to provide new capabilities, specifically increasing their range from 260 to 500 kilometers.

It is not ruled out that the enemy may attempt to use the "Bal" system to launch a missile strike on Kyiv. The effective range of the X-35 missile is 120 kilometers, while the X-35U missile has a range of 260 kilometers. The distance from the edge of the Bryansk region to Kyiv is approximately 280 kilometers, making the threat entirely possible.

Such missiles have not been shot down yet. The Ukrainian Air Force stated that they are unaware of such a threat, and regarding the X-35 missiles, they added that it is difficult to intercept such missiles.

"We have not shot down such missiles before; we do not yet have the means to do so. As for the 'Bal' system, the Russians have already used it to shell the Mykolaiv region from the Crimea. As for its relocation to the Bryansk region, the information needs to be verified; it may be another fake," Yuriy Ignat, Spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, told TSN.ua.

It is known that missiles from the S-400 system already reached Kyiv once. They were launched from the Belarusian airfield "Zyabrovka," located near Homel, just 20 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

Additionally, the enemy may use supersonic anti-ship missiles "Onyx" from the “Bastion” missile system. Previously, the enemy attacked Odesa with such missiles from the Crimea.

It is necessary to destroy it before launch

Ihor Romanenko, a military expert and retired Lieutenant General, Deputy Chief of the General Staff (2006-2010), says that the anti-ship missile system "Bal" is a weapon that can be properly used, so we need to be prepared for it.

"Yes, missiles of this class are very difficult to intercept. Therefore, it is necessary to simply destroy these launchers, gather intelligence on their exact locations, and strike those positions with missile complexes or aircraft.

"Yes, missiles of this class are very difficult to intercept. Therefore, it is necessary to simply destroy these launchers, gather intelligence on their exact locations, and strike those positions with missile complexes or aircraft. Did you hear about the unidentified planes striking Kursk? That means it is real - war is war. This is already the final stage when we shoot down missiles launched anywhere and anytime. The most rational approach is to shoot down aircraft, as was done at the Engels airfield, and destroy the ground-based launchers in pre-launch locations. We need to focus on that. And if that is not possible, then improve our missile defense system. We have Patriot PAC-3 and SAMP/T, which are capable of destroying them. From a military point of view, the algorithms and approaches are clear - we need to build up our capabilities in this matter," Ihor Romanenko explained.

It is difficult to shoot them down because they fly at very low altitudes. Regarding the threat of missile strikes on Kyiv by the X-35 missiles, military expert Oleh Zhdanov says that their flight range of 500 kilometers is obviously exaggerated.

"The guaranteed flight range of the X-35 missile is 260 kilometers. If the enemy deploys anti-ship missile complexes 'Bal' near the Bryansk region, it may indicate that the Russians, most likely, do not have enough missiles. They are experiencing a shortage, so they decided to use anti-ship complex. The thing is that the X-35 missile is not very accurate. It primarily works against contrasting targets and can have a significant deviation of over 100 meters. This subsonic cruise missile is indeed challenging to intercept. It flies at very low altitudes, around 5-10 meters, following the terrain relief. At such heights, it is extremely difficult to detect, practically impossible. That's why it poses a real threat. If someone manages to spot it, there will be very little time for the mobile group or air defense complex to react appropriately," explains Oleh Zhdanov.

What is the goal of the attacks on Kyiv? 

Oleh Zhdanov adds that this missile can reach Kyiv. It is especially dangerous if this complex is transported to the Kursk region. It is less than 250 kilometers in a straight line to Kyiv from there.

"The thing is that these are mobile complexes. They can move anywhere. They have a fuel range of 800 kilometers without refueling. One battery of the "Bal" complex consists of four launchers with 8 missiles each, totaling 32 missiles. The launch takes three seconds. The Russians can conduct a group mass strike by launching 20-30 missiles. Yes, it is terrorism. Do you remember the slogan of the Second World War: 'Everything for victory'? The Russians still live by this slogan. If it is absolutely necessary for Putin, then it will happen. He does not count on losses or casualties. Now the occupiers give greater priority to the destruction of civilian infrastructure and residential areas. Why? According to the logic of Putin and his entourage, the more the civilian population suffers, the sooner victory will be," Oleh Zhdanov adds.

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