Russia ramps up Iskander missile production, challenging Ukrainian defenses
According to information from Ukrainian media, the production of Iskander ballistic missiles has notably increased in Russia. The country is now capable of supplying its army with several dozen units each month. This development is worrisome for Ukraine, as the capabilities of the Iskanders represent significant challenges for air defense systems.
Russia's arsenal includes Iskander-M systems, Iskander-K, and Iskander-E (primarily for export). The Iskander-M is most commonly used for attacks on Ukraine. This system launches ballistic missiles over 23 feet long and about 3 feet in diameter, weighing approximately 6,600 pounds and 11,000 pounds, depending on the payload.
The missiles have a range of up to 310 miles. Their speed is especially problematic from an air defence perspective. Iskander ballistic missiles can reach altitudes up to 31 miles and accelerate to hypersonic speeds between 6 and 7 Mach (between about 4,570 mph and 5,340 mph).
How many Iskander missiles does Russia produce?
As reported by various sources, including the Unian agency, Russian defence factories can produce an average of about 40 Iskander ballistic missiles per month. Unofficial estimates suggest the army currently has nearly 200 such missiles in reserve.
The increase in production has been underscored by reports from the Ukrainian army about the growing number of attacks using Iskander ballistic missiles and Kh-22 missiles. By May of this year, Russia had deployed more than 50 Iskander launch systems along its border with Ukraine.
According to data from the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Russia currently possesses about 750 long-range missiles. In addition to Iskander ballistic missiles, Russia is also accumulating hypersonic Zircon missiles, various versions of Kalibr cruise missiles, and even Kh-69, recently described as the "Kremlin's secret weapon."
Kh-69 missiles are likened to Western AGM-158 JASSM missiles. They weigh about 1,700 pounds, with the explosive warhead weighing roughly 660 pounds. Their primary carriers are the Su-57 fighters, the most advanced aircraft in Russian aviation. The Kh-69 missiles can be launched from 656 feet to about 36,089 feet.
