Russia increases production of "Iskanders" and maintains large missile stockpile - Flash

Russia retains a significant stockpile of ballistic missiles while simultaneously increasing production volumes. Therefore, Ukraine should not count on a rapid depletion of Russian arsenals, said presidential adviser on defense technology development Serhiy “Flash” Beskrestnov.

According to him, the most dangerous remain the ballistic missiles of the Iskander complex, as well as missiles from the S-300 and S-400 anti-aircraft systems, which Russian forces use for strikes against ground targets. The availability of accumulated reserves allows Russia to continue attacks even with intensive use of munitions.

Earlier, Beskrestnov estimated the Russian stockpile of Iskander missiles at no less than 180–250 units. According to him, this is indicated by the manufacture dates of found fragments: unlike some other types of weapon that enter the battlefield almost immediately from factories, among the operational Iskanders there are missiles that were manufactured back in 2025.

The expert also stated that Russian industry is capable of producing up to 60 Iskander missiles monthly. A significant portion of their components is manufactured in Russia, which complicates attempts to halt production solely through sanctions and export restrictions.

One way to reduce the number of ballistic strikes on Ukraine is to destroy the launchers themselves. However, according to Beskrestnov, detecting and striking the mobile Iskander systems is extremely difficult.

Russian forces can store launchers in shelters, move them to pre-prepared positions immediately before launch, and then quickly relocate. Successful destruction requires continuous reconnaissance, timely transfer of coordinates, and the availability of a means capable of reaching the target before it relocates.

President Volodymyr Zelensky previously stated that Ukraine plans to intensify strikes on Russian launchers to decrease the number of attacks on cities and civilian infrastructure. At the same time, Kyiv is seeking additional interceptor missiles and developing its own anti-ballistic capabilities.

Beskrestnov was appointed as freelance adviser to the President of Ukraine on development of technological directions in defense on July 17, 2026.

Based on materials: “We — Ukraine”