Russia to Commence Serial Production of Cruise Missiles

Oleksiy Gromov, Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Department of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has warned that Russia plans to commence serial production of Kh-50 cruise missile, which has a range of up to 1,500 kilometers, is subsonic, and has a cruising speed of 700 kilometers per hour (maximum - 950).

This development would no doubt lead to an increase in missile attacks on Ukraine in the following months.

Gromov made this statement during a briefing on Thursday, April 13, stating that available data indicate that Russia plans to start production of the Kh-50 missiles in June of this year, enabling them to intensify missile strikes on Ukraine.

The Kh-50 uses the Kh-101 strategic missile guidance system and is smaller in size compared to the X-101. It is six meters long, weighs approximately 1,600 kilograms, and is carried by Tu-22M3 bombers and strategic Tu-95MS and Tu-160 aircraft.

Gromov further explained that the Russian military's objective is to intensify missile strikes on Ukrainian territory, given that it has already used up at least 50% of their long-range missiles since February 2022, with over 8,000 primarily surface-to-surface missiles launched against Ukraine.

However, due to current production volumes, Russia may be unable to replenish its missile stockpile in the medium term, potentially leaving its strategic interests in the Far East and on NATO borders unprotected.

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