Russia is increasing missile production

“Overall, across the main types of missile weapons, Russia is currently exceeding its monthly production targets by 110-120%. According to intelligence, Russia’s July production target for Kh-101 missiles was met at 140%, for Kalibr missiles at 111%, and for Kh-35 cruise missiles at 200%,” reported the Deputy Head of HUR, Vadym Skibitskyi, in an interview with the RBK-Ukraine portal.

Production plans for Kh-101 cruise missiles (the same type that recently fell on Polish territory) were set at 72 units for July; however, 87 were released. The plan was to produce 26 3M14 Kalibr missiles, while 29 units left the factory. Skibitskyi added, however, that Russian cruise missiles often encounter technical problems and not all of them can be successfully launched. “The Kh-101 missiles that fail during launch are sent back to production facilities so that technical problems can be identified and fixed.” He also noted that almost every missile currently used by Russia comes directly from the production line rather than from stockpiles.

According to Ukrainian intelligence reports, Russia is accumulating a stockpile of Iskander 9M723 ballistic missiles, which is approaching 130 units. The planned monthly production of Iskanders is 60 units. In July, 65 units were produced instead of 60, according to Skibitskyi. Ukrainian intelligence also possesses information regarding a new surface-to-surface missile, the RM-48U, which utilises the S-400 system. Its production has already been launched, with the target for August set at approximately 40 units and estimated stockpiles reaching up to 400 units.

The Banderol cruise missile has also joined the Russian arsenal. It is currently launched from helicopters; however, work is underway to enable its launch from aircraft. Moscow also possesses Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles and the modernised Oniks missile. Russia reportedly fulfilled the annual production plan for both of these missiles by the summer. During the first seven months of this year, 33 Zircon missiles and 60 Oniks missiles were produced.

However, the production of certain missiles in Russia is being restricted. As an example, Skibitskyi reported the suspension of Kinzhal missile production due to their low accuracy. This has allowed for the reallocation of resources and fuel, which are being redirected towards the production of other ballistic missiles.