Russian strategic aviation using pause to stockpile missiles before launching strikes on Ukraine in winter – British intelligence

11:34, 13.10.2023 1 min read

Russian Air Force Long Range Aviation (LRA) aircraft have not carried out strikes on Ukraine since September 21, 2023, for 21 days, it is likely that the LRA has almost exhausted its reserves of combat-ready AS-23 (X-101) missile ammunition after winter campaign, according to a report by the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, published on the social network X (formerly Twitter).

"This time, it is likely that Russian LRA are preserving existing stocks of AS-23 missiles as well as using this pause to increase useable stocks in anticipation of further heavy strikes against Ukraine over the winter," the report notes.

It is noted that recently, Russia has focused its airstrikes against grain-related facilities across the south of Ukraine, using Shahed one-way-attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAVs.) This included strikes against Ukrainian Danube River ports, which likely required a high level of accuracy due to the target's proximity to the Romanian border.

"It is likely that Russia used Shahed OWA UAVs on these targets because of their better accuracy over other types of air-launched missiles," the report notes.