Belarus secretly developed low-cost cruise missile for Russia - Defense Express

This long-range missile is designed to destroy lightly and heavily armoured vehicles, command vehicles, radar reconnaissance systems, command posts, aircraft on airfields, missile launchers, and more.

Technical specifications of missile

The missile’s range is 500–1,000 km, while the warhead weighs 25–50 kg depending on the distance.

"In other words, this is an attempt to fit into the trend of low-cost cruise missiles, whose development is now gaining popularity in the West, particularly in the United States, where there is a search for genuinely cheap long-range strike capabilities," military analysts note.

The missile is 3.15 metres long, has a wingspan of 2.5 metres, a speed of up to 600 km/h, and a maximum flight altitude of 11,500 metres. The type of guidance system used in the LCCM Mk2 has not been disclosed, EDR Magazine reports.

The missile is intended for use from ground platforms (catapult launchers, launchers mounted on light armoured vehicles, or container launchers) as well as from ships.

As of now, it is known that the company has completed development of the system and the cruise missile itself, and testing is expected in the near future.

What is known about manufacturer

The missile’s producer, E-System Solutions, is described as a "Belarusian-Emirati company."

However, one of Russia’s propaganda resources presents E-System Solutions as a company "recently founded by specialists from Belarus and the UAE" that "has not yet demonstrated any notable achievements," Defence Express writes.

"Yet, earlier this year, there was news that a Belarusian company with the same name unveiled a mock-up of the Buk-MB2K air-defence system, so it is quite likely that this is the same company," analysts conclude.

Given that E-System Solutions claims its LCCM Mk2 missile was developed with the experience of the "Ukrainian theatre of operations" in mind, it is not excluded that Russian specialists were involved in the design.

"And the public presentation can be explained by a desire to throw sand in people’s eyes, as if this is a joint Belarusian-Emirati development and Russia has nothing to do with it," Defence Express specialists note.

Who is involved in producing weapons for Russia

Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) published a 3D diagram of the Russian Orion UAV and revealed information about 43 companies involved in its production.

A third of these companies are not under sanctions from any country in the sanctions coalition, which creates a real possibility for continued supply of critical components and the extension of the war against Ukraine.

Earlier, HUR reported 68 new components found in Russian missiles and drones used to attack Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

The Russian turbojet Shahed drone contains components from the United States, China, Switzerland, and other countries.