Russia increases weapon and equipment production, no slowdown expected - ISW
Russia will increase the scale of weapon and equipment production (photo: Getty Images)
Since 2022, Russia has significantly enhanced its defense-industrial capabilities, meaning that any depletion of equipment and weaponry reserves will have little impact on the potential of the Russian military, according to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The report cites research from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (Germany), which reveals that between the last quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2024, Russia has significantly increased its production of military equipment:
- tanks by 215% - from 123 to 387 units per quarter;
- armored vehicles by 141% - from 585 to 1,409 units per quarter;
- artillery guns by 149% - from 45 to 112 units per quarter;
- short-range air defense systems by 200% - from 9 to 38 units per quarter;
- medium and long-range air defense systems by 100% - from 6 to 12 units per quarter;
- lancet loitering munition by 475% - from 93 to 535 units per quarter.
However, the German institute cautions that 80% of Russia’s tank and armored vehicle production has involved modernizing existing tanks from prior stockpiles rather than producing new machines. Despite this, the institute warns that even if Russia’s existing stockpiles are depleted, the country may not significantly reduce its production of armored vehicles.
The study also notes that production rates for armored vehicles in Russia are likely to decrease starting in 2026 due to the exhaustion of Soviet-era stockpiles. Nonetheless, in the coming years, Russia’s defense industry plans to open new production lines to mitigate this effect.
“The Kiel Institute estimated that Russia will likely produce 350 modern tanks per year after 2026 even if Russia does not open additional production lines. The Kiel Institute also warned that Russia is working to increase domestic production of rear systems such as artillery and air defense and reduce its reliance on pre-existing stockpiles of such systems,” the study concludes.
The Kiel Institute also noted that North Korea's supply of ammunition has provided Russia with a significant surplus of artillery shells. Additionally, Russian defense industry enterprises are producing 10,000 shells per day.
Developments in Russia's defense sector
Russia has begun developing a new missile for its Kornet anti-tank system. The new development shares many characteristics with the Ukrainian Corsar anti-tank guided missile system.
Military experts have observed that Russia used the upgraded Pantsir-SM-SV system in combat conditions for the first time during recent trials.
Meanwhile, over the past 24 hours, the Russian army has lost dozens of artillery systems, drones, and vehicles.
