Ukrainian Intelligence Reveals Russia's Arsenal of 950 Missiles with Monthly Production Capacity of 100.

On April 2, 2024, Ukrainian intelligence reported via the "Ukrainska Pravda" website that Russia possesses approximately 950 missiles that can be used to conduct several intensive strikes on Ukrainian territory. At the same time, the Russian defense industry can produce 100 cruise/ballistic missiles per month. 
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Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu inspected the production of anti-aircraft missiles manufactured by the Almaz-Antey group. (Picture source Russian MoD)

The report goes further to break down the composition of Russia's missile production capabilities per month. It is estimated that Russia can manufacture around 40 Kh-101 cruise missiles, which are known for their long-range and precision strike capabilities. In addition to the Kh-101s, Russia is also capable of producing about 40 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and Iskander-K cruise missiles monthly.

Moreover, the report mentions the production of a few dozen Kalibr cruise missiles every month. The Kalibr cruise missiles, launched from submarines, surface ships, and aircraft, are designed for precision strikes against ground and naval targets.

An interesting aspect of the report is the mention of the modernization of 6-8 anti-ship Oniks missiles for ground attack missions every month. This adaptation of the Oniks missiles, initially designed for naval engagement, to target ground facilities illustrates Russia's adaptability and intent to enhance its strategic capabilities across different domains.

Recent weeks have seen a significant escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with Russia launching intensive aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. One of the largest assaults since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022 resulted in over 30 civilian deaths, with attacks targeting residential areas, including homes, apartment buildings, and even a maternity hospital. These attacks have been condemned internationally, with the UN and various countries expressing their outrage and reaffirming their support for Ukraine.

Russia's strategy has included deploying at least 76 missiles in a single wave of attacks, causing widespread power outages across Ukraine and directly hitting cities such as Kryvyi Rih and the southern Kherson region, among others. Ukrainian air defenses have been actively countering these attacks, shooting down a significant number of incoming missiles and drones, but the damage to infrastructure and civilian areas has been considerable.

Iranian-made Shahed drones have also been used extensively by Russia in these attacks, targeting residential buildings, power stations, and other critical infrastructure, leading to calls from Ukraine for Tehran to cease supplying these weapons to Russia. Despite these challenges, Ukraine has received international support, including the delivery of air defense systems and pledges of further weapons deliveries from allies to increase its air defense capabilities.

The situation underscores the increasing urgency for more comprehensive support from Ukraine's allies, including the United States, in light of Ukraine's complaints about the slow delivery of air defense missiles. These aerial attacks and their devastating impact on civilians and infrastructure highlight the critical need for continued and enhanced international aid and military support for Ukraine as it defends itself against the Russian forces.

Defense News April 2024