Russia is increasingly using converted S-400 training missiles in attacks on Ukraine

Russia is increasingly using converted S-400 training missiles in attacks on Ukraine, in a strategy aimed at maintaining military pressure and conserving more advanced ballistic missiles. The data, compiled by military analysts from the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine and cited by Reuters, show a sharp increase in their use in recent months.

In July, Russia launched 87 RM48U missiles at Ukraine, compared with 10 in June and 14 in May. These accounted for more than half of the 228 ballistic and hypersonic missiles launched in July and early August.

The RM48U was initially designed as an aerial target for training S-400 systems. Although it is less accurate than a purpose-built ballistic missile, it can cause significant damage when used against ground targets.

According to analyst Sidharth Kaushal of the British institute RUSI, this tactic allows the Russians to preserve Iskander, KN-23 and Zircon missiles for the winter, when Moscow could intensify its ballistic attacks. Ukraine primarily relies on Patriot PAC-3 systems to intercept these missiles, but global stocks of interceptors are limited.