All articles tagged with #missile production
ISW's June 13 assessment says Russia is ramping up missile and drone production and assembling larger strike packages, with spending rising even as revenues fall; the report underscores Ukraine's reliance on Western air-defense support, while Russia launched 118 drones overnight and Ukraine struck energy and military infrastructure in Russia; no ground advances were reported on June 13.
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.
Iran has increased its missile production and improved missile capabilities, aiming to overwhelm Israeli defenses in potential future conflicts, amid ongoing tensions over its nuclear program and regional security. The country is also receiving Chinese assistance in rebuilding its missile arsenal, while concerns about nuclear site developments persist, raising fears of another conflict with Israel.
NATO plans to significantly boost its air defense capabilities in response to increased threats from Russia, but faces challenges in production capacity, industrial readiness, and coordination among member states, making quick improvements difficult despite increased spending.
The French government is pressuring local defense firms to accelerate the production of missiles and artillery shells, threatening measures such as requisitioning and order prioritization. This move comes in response to the conflict in Ukraine and aims to boost output for both domestic and export purposes. The government is urging defense firms to adopt a "war economy" footing and prioritize military orders over civilian ones, with a focus on speeding up production for various defense equipment, including missiles and shells. France plans to double its order for long-range Aster missiles and is preparing a new military aid package for Ukraine.
Ukraine's Defense Intelligence claimed responsibility for a drone attack on a Russian aircraft plant involved in missile production, stating that three out of four drones hit their target and caused significant damage to the production facilities. The attack disrupted the manufacturing process for various versions of Kh-59 missiles. Russia's Defense Ministry and Smolensk regional authorities have not yet commented on the incident.
Russia has managed to expand its missile production beyond prewar levels, despite sanctions and export controls imposed by the West, leaving Ukraine vulnerable to intensified attacks. Moscow has used illicit networks and smuggling routes to secure critical components for missile production, bypassing export restrictions. The increased missile stocks pose a significant threat to Ukrainian citizens and infrastructure. The United States has provided air defense systems to help Ukraine defend against Russian missiles and drones, but the country still lacks sufficient coverage. While the West has tried to curb the export of key components to Russia, it has struggled to stop the flow through countries with ties to Moscow. Russia's military production has surged, with increased ammunition and tank production, but it faces shortages of rocket propellant and basic explosives. The increased military production has come at a great cost to the Russian economy, and further industrial gains may be constrained by labor shortages.
Ukraine's military intelligence claims that a drone strike set fire to a Russian factory on the outskirts of Moscow that produces microchips used in missile production. Videos on social media show thick smoke rising from the factory. Moscow's mayor asserts that the drone was shot down by Russian air defense systems, but a Ukrainian official disputes this. This is one of several recent drone strikes in Russia, with another microchip factory targeted earlier in the week. The extent of the damage and casualties is unclear.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered factories to significantly increase missile production to prepare for any potential war with enemies, according to state media. Kim visited munitions factories and set a goal to boost missile production capacity to meet the needs of military units on the frontlines. He emphasized the urgency to increase shell production and ensure an overwhelming military force to prevent enemies from using their armed forces. This comes amid heightened tensions between North Korea, the United States, and South Korea, with the latter two countries announcing the start of the Ulchi Freedom Guardian summer exercises, described as the largest scale ever.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered a significant increase in the production of missiles and other weapons, according to state media. This comes as the US and South Korea announced major drills to enhance their joint capability against North Korea's nuclear threats. Kim visited munitions factories and set goals to boost production capacity, including the mass production of missiles. Experts believe Kim aims to use his modernized weapons arsenal to gain concessions from the US. The US-South Korean drills, set to begin next week, have been criticized by North Korea as a practice for invasion. Additionally, it was recently revealed that Russia's defense minister discussed selling more weapons to North Korea for its war with Ukraine.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered an increase in missile production to secure "overwhelming military power" and be prepared for war, according to state media KCNA. Kim's directive came during his visit to munitions factories that produce tactical missiles, missile launch platforms, armored vehicles, and artillery shells. This move comes ahead of annual military drills between South Korea and the United States, which Pyongyang sees as a rehearsal for war. Kim emphasized the need to dramatically increase missile production capacity to meet the demands of frontline military units. South Korea and the US have announced plans to hold the Ulchi Freedom Guardian summer exercises from August 21-31 to enhance their response capabilities to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered a significant increase in the production of missiles and other weapons, according to state media. This comes just days before the start of annual military drills between South Korea and the United States, which North Korea sees as a rehearsal for invasion. Kim visited munitions factories and set goals to boost production capacity, emphasizing the importance of the munitions industry in preparing for war. Experts believe Kim aims to use his modernized weapons arsenal to gain concessions from the United States in future diplomacy. Additionally, U.S. officials suspect that Russia's defense minister discussed selling more weapons to North Korea during a recent visit to Pyongyang.
House Appropriations Committee Republicans have cut over $2.5bn from the Pentagon's missile procurement budget, including a significant portion of the $1.9bn requested to support bulk purchases, in a move that could set up a fight with other panels in the House and Senate that may side with the Pentagon's plans. The committee redirected the funds to bolster military training, maintenance and operations, as well as Pentagon research and development efforts to field new technology and weapons. The shift in funding came as appropriators squeezed overall Pentagon weapons procurement spending, which is $3bn lower than the Pentagon requested.
Russia's defense chief has urged Tactical Missiles Corporation to double its missile production for the country in preparation for a potential Ukrainian counteroffensive, as both sides in the 14-month war reportedly feel an ammunition crunch. Countries across the world have been donating supplies, including ammunition, to Ukraine to help in the fight against Russia. Denmark recently donated $251 million in aid to the war-torn country.
Russia's defense chief has urged a state company to double its missile output as both sides in the 14-month war reportedly feel an ammunition crunch. Analysts have been trying to figure out whether Russia is running low on high-precision ammunition, as its missile barrages against Ukraine have become less frequent and smaller in scale. Ukrainian forces say they are readying their own counteroffensive and stockpiling ammunition to sustain it along potentially long supply lines. Denmark has donated $251 million in aid to Ukraine, including mine clearance vehicles, munition, field bridges, and money for air defense that will be needed for a counteroffensive against Russian forces.