Russia launched more ballistic missiles at Ukraine in July than it produces monthly: ISW

Russia appears to be depleting its stockpiles of ballistic missiles to intensify attacks on Ukraine, analysts suggest. In July alone, Russia launched 107 ballistic missiles and 20 Zircon missiles toward Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted that Russia may have used up to two-thirds of its planned annual production of Zircon missiles in July.

Citing Ukrainian military intelligence, the publication Militarnyj reports that Russia produces approximately 60 Iskander M ballistic missiles and about 40 missiles for S-400 systems per month. ISW analysts believe Russia is leveraging these reserves to increase the number of ballistic missile strikes, deeming them more effective than drones and cruise missiles.

Concurrently, ISW data indicates a decrease in the number of drones Russia employed in nighttime attacks. While Russian forces used 5,749 drones in June, this figure dropped to 2,955 in the first half of July. This shift suggests a strategic adjustment in Russia's aerial assault tactics.

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It seems that Russia is using its reserves to further increase the number of ballistic missile strikes against Ukraine, as these missiles are more effective than drones and cruise missiles.