Russia is increasing missile production, exceeding monthly plans for some types by even twice as much, despite sanctions and aviation losses. This was reported by Vadim Skibitsky, Deputy Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, in an interview with the portal “RBK-Ukraine”, published on Monday, August 10.
In general, according to GUR data, the Russians are currently fulfilling monthly production plans for the main types of missile weapons at the level of 110–120%. Thus, in July, the production plan for Kh-101 cruise missiles was fulfilled by 140%, Kalibr missiles — by 111%, and Kh-35 cruise missiles — by 200%.
Production and stockpiles of missiles
Skibitsky noted that Russia has already fulfilled the annual production plan for Tsirkon and Oniks missiles in the summer. In the first seven months of this year, the Russian Federation produced 33 Tsirkon missiles and 60 Oniks missiles. He also reported that Russia has suspended the production of Kinzhal missiles due to their low accuracy. The resources and fuel freed up in this way are currently being directed towards the production of other ballistic missiles.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, the Russians have accumulated a stockpile of Iskander 9M723 ballistic missiles, which is approaching 130 units. Skibitsky noted that the planned monthly production of Iskanders is 60 units, but in July, instead of the planned 60, 65 missiles were produced.
Ukrainian military intelligence also has data on the new RM-48U surface-to-surface missile, which uses the S-400 system. The Russians have begun its production; the plan for August is about 40 units, and the estimated stockpile is up to 400 units.
The Russian arsenal has also been supplemented with the Banderol cruise missile. It is launched from helicopters, but work is ongoing to allow it to be launched from aircraft. The enemy also has hypersonic cruise missiles Tsirkon and modernized Oniks. Previously, Oniks was used exclusively to strike naval targets, but now it has an increased range, a more powerful warhead, and can hit ground targets, according to GUR.
According to GUR, most of the Kalibr missiles launched from surface ships and submarines are being added to the fleet’s armament and reserves. Skibitsky explained this by the fact that Ukrainian air defense shoots down almost 100% of Kalibrs, provided there is a sufficient number of anti-aircraft missiles.
As an example, Skibitsky cited the production plans for Kh-101 cruise missiles, which in July amounted to 72 units, but 87 were produced. It was planned to produce 26 3M14 Kalibr missiles — 29 came off the assembly line. “Kh-101 missiles that do not work during launch attempts are again sent to production facilities for inspection and elimination of technical problems,” he noted.
Source: Gazeta.pl
