Russia expands production capacity for solid fuel rocket engines-IISS

The latest expansion and modernization of Russia's solid-fuel engine production capacity indicates a significant step towards strengthening its missile production capabilities. This was reported in the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IS), writes UNN.

Russia is involved in what U.S. officials describe as "the most ambitious expansion of military production since Soviet times." Satellite images show that the production capacity of solid - fuel rocket engines is one of the areas of these efforts," the report says.  

According to analysts, there is significant development at five sites related to solid fuel production. Recent satellite images show that construction work is underway in many locations, including possible reconstruction of dormant Soviet-era facilities and the construction of new infrastructure. 

IIS recalled that Russia did not invest in expansion or reconstruction in this area until 2023.

The analysts added that solid-fuel missile systems are central to Russia's strategic arsenal and its short-range ground-based tactical weapons. In particular, the Russians made extensive use of short-range ballistic missiles (SLBMs) in the war against Ukraine. The Russian Armed Forces have deployed several types of surface-to-surface missiles, including the 9K720 Iskander-M (RS-SS-26 Stone) and Tornado-S multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) missiles. In addition, surface-to-air missile systems such as the S-300P (RS-SA-20 Gargoyle) and S-400 (RS-SA-21 Growler) are central elements of Russia's ground air defense, and are also used by the enemy for ground attacks.

Larger composite solid-fuel engines, according to analysts, are also used in most of Russia's intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and its newest submarine-launched ballistic missiles, which form the central backbone of Moscow's strategic nuclear deterrent.

It is noted that determining the expansion target is complicated by the possibility that several factories may be involved in the development and production of engines for a single rocket system, according to the scenario. This also makes it difficult to determine which missile program or the production of which category of missiles  is being expanded. 

"Russia's import of ballistic missiles from Iran and North Korea shows that its BSRB production is not sufficient to meet its needs in the war against Ukraine. Expanding the production capacity of solid fuel plants could allow Russia to replenish and expand the existing arsenal of key systems located in Ukraine. In the long run, this expansion could also strengthen Russia's ability to develop systems that can pose a threat to NATO members," analysts warn.

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Experts of the Kiev Research Institute of forensic examinations (KNIISE) establishedthat Russia used North Korean KN-23/24 ballistic missiles during the combined attack on Ukraine on November 13 , among other things.

According to KNIISE experts, KN-23 combines both modern technologies and solutions of the last century. A significant percentage of microelectronics is produced in China, Taiwan, the United States and other countries. Probably, the launches are carried out from North Korean-made launchers, since it would be much more difficult to adapt Russian systems.

It is worth noting that the Russians are constantly trying to modify and modernize all the types of missiles and drones available to them, which are used for attacks on Ukraine. KNIISE specialists in the commentary UNN told, What features are being discussed and what role Western components play in changing enemy weapons.  the enemy uses more than just western components. According to Alexander Ruvin, director of the Kiev Research Institute of forensic examinations, components for UAVs used by the enemy to attack Ukraine are supplied by about 50 manufacturers from China.

In addition, KNIISE experts have established that the Russian x-69 missiles used by the invaders to hit Ukraine are created from several types of weapons and have foreign components.