Experts unveil the low-cost cruise missile that can reach 500 km inside Russia
Missile (Photo: GettyImages)
Six European countries have joined forces to develop a new cruise missile with a range of 500 kilometers as part of an initiative to advance long-range conventional weapons, according to a report by Hartpunkt.
Read also: Ukrainian missile makes Russian troops jittery as their air defenses fall
Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Poland, and Sweden signed an agreement to jointly develop and produce missiles under the ELSA initiative, aimed at creating long-range conventional strike systems.
OWE 500+ project: production, distribution, and scaling
According to sources, the project is known in professional circles as One Way Effector 500 Plus (OWE 500+).
Missile production will be distributed among participating countries to accelerate scaling and enhance resilience to disruptions at individual facilities.
Technical characteristics and cost efficiency
OWE 500+ systems will deliver a payload of approximately 50 kg over distances up to 500 km. The project plans to use conventional 155-mm artillery shells as warheads, thereby reducing production costs.
Smart munitions and reusable deployment
The missiles are being designed as smart systems capable of reaching targets without manual guidance.
Operators can deploy multiple units simultaneously, enhancing combat effectiveness.
Deployment and strategic significance
The price of a single missile is expected to be in the five-figure range, and Germany plans to deploy them with its ground forces.
The joint development underscores Europe’s pursuit of strategic autonomy and the strengthening of defense capabilities at minimal cost.
Technology integration and coordinated production
The OWE 500+ project will be an important step toward integrating technologies and coordinating production among NATO countries in precision weapons, thereby strengthening Europe’s defense infrastructure.
A modernized version of the Russian heavy flamethrower system Solntsepyok has been spotted on the front line. It features an extended firing range and enhanced protective measures, making it more resilient against strike drones and more effective on the modern battlefield.
Germany has proposed supplying Ukraine with 35 PAC-3 missiles for use in Patriot air and missile defense systems, enhancing Ukraine’s capability to defend against missile threats.
