Ukraine's Intelligence Details Russian Missile Arsenal Amid Escalating Conflict.

The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense (GUR) on mai, 1st 2024, has provided detailed information regarding Russia's missile stocks, including the Zircon, Onyx, Caliber, and Kh-69 types. According to the data collected, by the end of April 2024, Russia would have numerous missiles ready for use, with significant production capacities for each type, allowing for continued future strikes.

In footage released by the Russian Defense Ministry in 2022, a Zircon hypersonic cruise missile is seen being launched by a Russian navy frigate from the Barents Sea.(Picture source: Russian MoD)

The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense GUR reported that the Russian arsenal includes approximately 40 3M22 Zircon hypersonic anti-ship missiles, with a production capacity reaching 10 units per month. Regarding the 3M55/3M55M "Onyx" and "Onyx-M" cruise missiles, Russia would possess 400 units, with a monthly production also estimated at 10 missiles. For the 3M-14 "Caliber" cruise missiles, Russian forces would have 270 units, with a monthly production rate of 30 to 40 missiles. Finally, for the Kh-69 guided air missiles, the stock would be 45 units, with production varying between 1 and 3 missiles per month.

Zircon missile, also known as the 3M22 Zircon, is a hypersonic anti-ship missile developed by Russia. Capable of traveling at speeds of Mach 8 to Mach 9, Zircon can cover distances up to 1000 kilometers. It is designed to evade radar detection and defense systems due to its high speed and maneuverability. The missile can be launched from naval vessels and submarines, making it a formidable tool for targeting enemy warships and land targets with precision, enhancing the strategic strike capabilities of the Russian military.

Onyx, also known under the export version name Yakhont, is a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile that has a maximum range of approximately 300 kilometers and can reach speeds up to Mach 2.5. The missile is designed to be launched from ship, submarine, air, and land platforms, offering flexibility in various military scenarios. The Onyx uses a combination of inertial guidance and active radar homing to approach its target, making it effective in penetrating defenses at high speeds and delivering powerful conventional warheads.

The Caliber missile, specifically the 3M-14 variant, is a long-range cruise missile that can travel up to 2,500 kilometers depending on the version. Designed for precision strike capabilities, it can be launched from surface ships, submarines, and possibly from land-based platforms. The Caliber is known for its versatility, being capable of targeting both land and maritime targets, which makes it a key component of Russia's strategic and tactical missile forces. It employs advanced guidance technology to maintain accuracy over long distances, even in electronically contested environments.

The Kh-69 missile is a newer type of guided air missile developed by Russia, primarily intended for precision strikes against ground targets. While specific details on its capabilities and range remain less publicized compared to other Russian missiles, it is designed to be launched from aircraft, adding to the flexibility of the Russian air forces in engaging diverse target sets with precision. The Kh-69 is part of a modern generation.

This information comes in a context of heightened tensions, marked by the intensive use of these arsenals in the ongoing conflict against Ukraine. The GUR specifically indicated that in a single night, on April 27, 2024, Russia launched a combined attack using various types of missiles, specifically targeting Ukraine from different regions. In total, 34 missiles were used during this attack, including Kh-101/Kh-555 launched from Tu-95 MS strategic bombers, Kh-59/Kh-69, S-300 guided anti-aircraft missiles, Iskander-K, Kinzhal Kh-47M2, and Kalibr cruise missiles.

The Ukrainian defense forces, mobilizing fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, and electronic warfare equipment, successfully repelled this massive air offensive. Lieutenant General Mykola Oleschuk, commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Air Force, confirmed that 21 aerial targets were destroyed during these engagements, including 6 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles, 8 Kh-59/Kh-69 guided air missiles, one Iskander-K cruise missile, and 6 Kalibr cruise missiles.

Furthermore, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, head of the GUR, emphasized that despite the recent reduced use of "Caliber" missiles compared to the Kh-101, these are still stockpiled in large quantities and ready to be used. This indicates a strategy of conserving "Caliber" missiles, considered less effective than the Kh-101, for potential future uses.