Russia launches waves of 'training ballistic missiles' at Ukraine, Reuters reports
Photo: How many RM48U missiles Russia has used against Ukraine (Getty Images)
Russia has been using RM48U missiles against Ukraine on a large scale in recent months. The missiles were originally intended solely for training air defense units, according to Reuters analysis based on Ukrainian intelligence data.
How many RM48U missiles has Russia used
In July and early August, RM48U missiles accounted for more than half of the 228 ballistic and hypersonic missiles Russia launched at Ukraine.
- In July, Russia carried out 158 ballistic and hypersonic missile strikes - the highest number of launches in a single month since the start of the full-scale war;
- 87 of those missiles were RM48U;
- another 70 launches were recorded in the first eight days of August, 36 of which involved RM48U missiles.
How is the RM48U different from Iskanders
The RM48U was originally developed for training air defense units. The missile follows a ballistic trajectory but is less powerful and accurate than Russia's Iskander missiles.
According to Ukrainian experts, the RM48U's average deviation from its target may be around 300 meters.
Using cheaper RM48U missiles allows Russian forces to preserve stocks of more expensive missiles, including Iskanders, North Korean KN-23s and Zircons.
Available data suggests this may be linked to Russia's intention to conserve more powerful missiles for future strikes, including during the winter period.
It should be recalled that on September 18, Russian forces attacked a commuter train in Kharkiv region.
Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Oleh Syniehubov said that one person was killed and seven others were injured.
In addition, overnight on September 18, Russia attacked Ukraine with 93 attack drones, including Shaheds, Gerberas and Banderols.
The Defense Forces shot down or suppressed 72 targets, but hits were recorded at 13 locations.
