Russia used an export-grade 48N6E2 missile in attack on Ukraine
Missiles (Photo: GettyImages)
For the first time since the start of the war, missile debris from Russian strikes on Ukraine has been identified as an export version of a surface-to-air missile used with the S-300 and S-400 systems, reports Defense Express.
The use of missiles originally intended for foreign customers has become an alarming signal for Russia’s international partners. The missile in question is the 48N6E2 surface-to-air missile, which had never before been recorded as being used in combat inside Ukraine.
Export missile instead of a standard one
For the first time, debris has conclusively confirmed the use of the 48N6E2 surface-to-air missile, employed by the S-300PMU-2 Favorit and S-400 systems. Until now, there had been no confirmed cases of export versions of such missiles being used.
Why it is the 48N6E2
Preserved missile fragments were found to contain identification plates and serial numbers. The letter “E” in the designation directly indicates that the missile was produced for export. At the same time, the specifications of the 48N6E2 fully match those of the 48N6M version, including the stated engagement range of up to 200 kilometers.
Not a new threat, but a sign of shortage
The use of an export missile does not create additional military risks. However, the very fact that it is being used points to a shortage of standard munitions and raises questions about Russia’s ability to fulfill its existing export contracts.
Who may have been left without missiles
The 48N6E2 could have been manufactured exclusively for foreign customers. S-300PMU-2 systems were supplied to Azerbaijan, Algeria, Iran, China, and Syria, while S-400 systems were delivered to Algeria, Belarus, India, China, and Türkiye.
As of today, only the contract with India remains in progress. Since 2018, India has been expecting the delivery of five regimental sets of the S-400 system, but has received only three.
After Operation Sindoor in the spring of 2025 and the large-scale confrontation with Pakistan, India remains the only operator of Russian surface-to-air missile systems that has an acute need to replenish its missile stockpiles.
At the same time, other directions cannot be completely ruled out, including Iran, whose air defense systems came under serious scrutiny following Israeli strikes in the summer of 2025.
During the nighttime attack on January 20, Russia may have, according to preliminary assessments, used RM-48U training missiles against Ukraine for the first time. According to Western media, these missiles are employed as an auxiliary tool to overload and exhaust Ukraine’s air defense system.
The company Destinus has presented the Ruta Block 2 cruise missile, an upgraded version of its previous model. The missile has received significant improvements in its tactical and technical characteristics and is being considered a full-fledged combat system for use against Russian forces.
