Russia Expands Missile Arsenal and Long-Range Capabilities Amid Ukraine War
ISW reports Russia is ramping up and modernizing missiles and drones in 2026, with monthly Kh-101 production around 40–50, Iskander-M around 60–70, and Iskander-K about 10, plus integration of KN-23 tech and a planned Iskander-1000 with up to 1,000 km range; Shahed/Geran drones are used in strikes, while the US Patriot system remains central to Ukraine’s defense and Kyiv seeks Patriot licenses and joint anti-ballistic efforts. Russia maintains high military spending and has raised its authorized military end-strength, with Putin issuing a decree to reach about 2.399 million personnel; UN reports May 2026 civilian casualties at a new high for the conflict. On June 13 there were no major ground advances, but large-scale strikes continued, underscoring the ongoing need for Western air-defense support to Ukraine.
