Russia is facing major difficulties in replenishing its stockpiles of anti-aircraft missiles due to Ukraine’s ongoing use of large-scale drone attacks. These drones target military and energy infrastructure, forcing Russian air defense systems to operate continuously. A recent study by the Royal United Services Institute for Defence Research (RUSI) highlights how these attacks are exposing weaknesses in Russia’s military industry and logistics.
The analysis shows that Russian air defenses remain highly integrated and multilayered, making them among the most dangerous in the world. They can reduce the effectiveness of advanced aircraft and long-range missiles. However, the systems are under increasing strain as missiles, radars, and related equipment are used faster than they can be replaced.
Ukraine’s Drone Campaign Drains Missile Reserves
Ukraine’s strategy relies on deploying large numbers of low-cost drones against Russian military facilities and energy infrastructure. Even when intercepted, each drone requires an expensive anti-aircraft missile to destroy it. This creates an imbalance: drones are cheap and easy to replace, while Russian missiles are costly and increasingly scarce.
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The continuous drone attacks put pressure on Russian forces to defend multiple targets simultaneously, including military bases, fuel depots, power stations, and transport hubs. Russia’s sophisticated air defenses can counter advanced threats, but they cannot defend against sustained, mass drone attacks over long periods.
As missile stockpiles shrink, damaged radars and launchers also require repairs, which are slow and complicated during active conflict. This leads to thinner coverage in some regions and adds to the overall strain on air defense systems.
Industrial Limits, Sanctions, and Export Delays Increase Pressure
RUSI’s analysis points out that Russia’s defense industry cannot scale up missile production quickly. A key issue is a shortage of microelectronics and dependence on imported components, which have become harder to access due to sanctions. Even when alternative supply routes exist, they are limited and unreliable.
Russia also has a small number of factories capable of producing advanced air defense systems. Scaling up production is difficult because specialized tools, skilled labor, and long preparation times are required. Logistics weaknesses further complicate the process. Critical transport hubs and storage facilities are limited, and damage or disruption can delay repairs and deliveries.
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These challenges are already affecting Russia’s arms exports. Russia has postponed the delivery of the last two batteries of the S-400 air defense system to India for the second time. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov discussed the new transfer dates, now scheduled for 2026–2027. This delay, previously reported by Militarnyi, highlights the strain caused by the ongoing conflict and production challenges.
RUSI also notes that sanctions and export restrictions could further weaken Russia’s air defense if fully enforced. They could also reduce confidence in Russian weapons on international markets. Loopholes still allow Russian companies to obtain critical components indirectly. Closing these channels would increase supply shortages and slow production.
Overall, sustained drone attacks, industrial limitations, sanctions, and logistical challenges are putting heavy pressure on Russia’s air defense systems. Missile shortages, slower repairs, and delayed exports are all interconnected problems caused by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.