Russia can fire up to 100 ballistic missiles a month, Ukrainian adviser says
Russia has a stockpile of hundreds of ballistic missiles and continues to expand production, while destroying Iskander missile launchers remains an extremely difficult task, according to Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, an adviser to the Ukrainian president.
Beskrestnov said Russia has a stockpile of several hundred ballistic missiles and can replenish its arsenal regularly through domestic production.
According to him, Russia manufactures around 60 to 70 Iskander missiles each month. It also continues producing ballistic missiles for the S-400 air defense system, as well as Zircon missiles. Altogether, Russia is producing roughly 100 to 150 new missiles every month, he said.
"Russia can launch up to 100 ballistic missiles against Ukraine every month," Beskrestnov said.
Why they are difficult to destroy
According to Beskrestnov, one of Ukraine's biggest challenges is targeting Iskander missile launchers.
He explained that before launching, the mobile launchers remain on the move for about five hours, carefully planning their routes to minimize the risk of being detected by satellites.
"Catching an Iskander launcher while it is moving or near its launch position is extremely difficult," the presidential adviser said.
He added that striking Russia's missile production facilities is no less challenging. According to Beskrestnov, the manufacturing sites are located deep underground, while sanctions have had little impact on Iskander production because the missile system is built primarily using Russian-made components and electronics.
Ukraine regularly warns of the threat of Russian ballistic missile strikes. Intercepting such missiles requires advanced air defense systems and a sufficient supply of interceptor missiles.
Beskrestnov has also warned that Russia retains the ability to regularly launch ballistic missiles against Ukraine and will continue to target commercial facilities, warehouses, and manufacturing plants. According to him, this tactic remains a key component of Russian pressure.
