Russia has dramatically increased output of several key missile types despite sanctions and losses in its air force, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence. July saw Kh-35 cruise missile production reach 200 percent of plan, while Kh-101 and Kalibr also exceeded targets. Kinzhal production, however, was stopped because of poor accuracy.
Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy chief of the Ukrainian military intelligence directorate known as HUR, shared the figures in an interview with RBK-Ukraine. He said that overall, monthly production plans for basic missile types are currently being fulfilled at 110–120 percent. Specific examples from July showed Kh-101 output at 140 percent, Kalibr at 111 percent and Kh-35 at 200 percent.
– In the case of basic types of missile weaponry, monthly production plans are currently being fulfilled at 110–120 percent – said Skibitskyi.
According to HUR data, the July plan for Kh-101 cruise missiles was set at 72 units, but 87 were produced. For 3M14 Kalibr missiles, the plan called for 26, while 29 left the assembly line. Iskander 9M723 ballistic missiles had a planned monthly output of 60, yet 65 were manufactured in July. Stockpiles of that missile are approaching 130 units.
Production faults and new missile types
Despite high output, not every missile works. Skibitskyi said Russian forces have technical problems with cruise missiles and aircraft, and some missiles cannot be fired during launch attempts. Faulty Kh-101 missiles are sent back to factories for inspection and repairs.
– The Kh-101 missiles that fail during a test launch are sent back to production facilities to be checked and have technical problems removed – he explained.
HUR also reports that most Kalibr missiles fired from surface ships and submarines go into fleet service and reserve stocks. The reason, according to the intelligence, is that Ukrainian air defense shoots down almost 100 percent of Kalibr missiles when it has enough anti-aircraft missiles available.
Kinzhal halted, new systems in service
Russia has stopped making Kinzhal missiles due to low accuracy. Freed resources and fuel are now being redirected to production of other ballistic missiles, Skibitskyi said.
Among the new additions is the RM-48U ground-to-ground missile based on the S-400 system. Production has already started; the August plan is around 40 units, and estimated stocks are up to 400. Another new weapon is the Banderol cruise missile, currently launched from helicopters. Work is underway to make it compatible with fixed-wing aircraft.
Russia also operates Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles and a modernized version of the Oniks missile. Oniks was once used only against naval targets, but now has longer range and a stronger warhead, allowing strikes on land. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia had already fulfilled its annual production plan for Zircon and Oniks by summer. In the first seven months of the year, 33 Zircon and 60 Oniks missiles were produced.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
