Russia has suspended serial production of Kh-47M2 "Kinzhal" and Kh-32 aeroballistic missiles, reallocating resources to the production of 9M723 ballistic missiles for the Iskander operational-tactical missile system. Defense Express reports this, citing Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense and Major General, reports UNN.
Details
According to Skibitskyi, the decision was made after a negative assessment of the effectiveness of the Kinzhal and Kh-32 missiles. The components, funds, and production capacities used to manufacture them were redirected to other types of long-range weapons.
In particular, in July, Russia's defense industry produced 65 9M723 ballistic missiles for Iskander systems, against a planned 60 units per month. Production of RM-48U missiles for S-300/S-400 systems remained at approximately 40 units per month.
Reasons for the production halt
According to the Main Intelligence Directorate, one of the reasons for suspending production of the Kinzhal and Kh-32 missiles was their low accuracy. Russia's defense industry is expected to attempt to improve these missiles and may resume production after increasing their accuracy.
Defense Express notes that the effectiveness of the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is also affected by Ukrainian electronic warfare systems and the possibility of intercepting the missiles with Patriot systems.
At the same time, assessments by the Main Intelligence Directorate indicate that Russia retains significant capabilities for producing ballistic missiles. Ukrainian strikes have already hit Russian defense industry enterprises, including the Votkinsk Plant, which produces missiles for Iskander systems; however, this is currently insufficient to significantly reduce the pace of their production.