Russia actively stockpiling weapons to 'overwhelm Ukrainian missile defences'

RUSSIA-POLITICS

Russia is reportedly stockpiling high-precision, long-range missiles as Vladimir Putin is forced to change war tactics amid significant blows by Ukraine.

Following a series of devastating strikes on naval assets in the Black Sea, Russia has been forced to limit its use of cruise missiles, particularly Kalibr.

Kalibir cruise missiles are used for anti-ship, anti-submarine and land attack use, and are typically launched from warships.

These warships have recently come under heavy fire from Ukrainian drone strikes, prompting Moscow to reroute remaining ships and significantly hindering the ability to launch the missiles.

Dr. Leon Hartwell, Senior Associate at LSE IDEAS, said Putin has now been forced to adopt a “cautious approach” to the war, waiting for the right time to “overwhelm” Ukrainian defences.

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He told the Express: “The absence of Kalibr cruise missile launches by Russian forces has been notable. Ukraine’s military successes in the Black Sea have limited Russia’s ability to deploy Kalibr missile-capable vessels effectively.

“Russia is conserving its high-precision, long-range missile stockpile, which stands at around 900 units. This cautious approach aims to maintain strategic resources and for potential future contingencies so as to overwhelm Ukrainian missile defenses.”

The Ukrainian Navy reported that, as of April 11, there is only one Russian Kalibr cruise missile carrier in the Black Sea, with the capabilities to carry up to four missiles.

They wrote on Facebook: In the Black Sea, 1 enemy ship is a carrier of winged missiles “Caliber” total voltage up to 4 missiles. In the Mediterranean 4 enemy ships, among which 3 carriers winged missiles “Caliber” total voltage up to 20 missiles.

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As well as wiping out the ships that carry them, Ukrainian forces have also been successful in “intercepting Kalibr missiles,” according to Dr. Hartwell.

He added: “Ukraine has demonstrated proficiency in intercepting Kalibr missiles, reducing their effectiveness on the battlefield. This success has forced Russian planners to reassess the utility of relying on Kalibr missiles.”

In response to the ongoing struggle to launch high-precision, long-range missiles, Russia has “turned to drones”, which are “versatile tools for reconnaissance and targeted strikes”.

Dr. Hartwell concluded: “Drone usage nearly quadrupled per month compared to last winter, which reflects Moscow’s adaptive approach to evolving battlefield dynamics.”