The fourth year of war with Ukraine has not depleted Russia’s missile stockpiles. The Kremlin continues to ramp up production, currently having around 500 missiles and not planning to halt their release. As noted by The Economist, missile manufacturers for the Patriot air defense systems are currently unable to keep pace with Russian production rates.
This is reported by Finway
Production Capacities
For instance, Lockheed Martin, which manufactures Patriot systems and PAC-3 missiles, plans to increase its production capacity to 650 missiles per year. However, this is about 100 units fewer than the expected production of ballistic missiles in Russia.
Russia’s Strategy
According to analysts at ISW, Russian President Vladimir Putin is using long-range strikes on Ukrainian cities, aggressive information campaigns, and pessimistic sentiments in the West to undermine the morale of Ukrainians and convince Western countries that Russia’s victory is inevitable. In this way, Russia is attempting to halt Western assistance to Ukraine, which could significantly impact the course of the war.
At the same time, Ukraine continues to strike at the military capabilities of the enemy. For example, on May 26, drones attacked facilities in Yelabuga, where Shahed-type drones are manufactured, as well as an enterprise in the Ivanovo region that specializes in producing components for Russian equipment and weapons, including missiles.
“Russia seeks to end Western assistance to Ukraine in order to win the war.”