(KYIV) – Russian forces have struck targets in Ukraine using S 400 missiles that were manufactured for export, according to findings by defence analysts, raising further questions about the state of Russia’s missile stockpiles and the future of its arms contracts.
Analysts from Defence Express reported that fragments of 48N6E2 missiles were discovered at the sites of recent Russian strikes. These missiles form part of the S 300PMU2 and S 400 air defence systems. The markings on the fragments indicate that they were produced for foreign customers rather than for use by the Russian military.
The presence of the export designation confirms that Russia is increasingly relying on weapons intended for overseas delivery. Defence specialists say this suggests a significant depletion of missiles originally allocated for domestic use.
According to Defence Express, these interceptor missiles were launched on ground attack trajectories. When used in this way, they follow an unpredictable path and become uncontrollable at higher altitudes before falling randomly, increasing the risk to residential areas.
Analysts believe the missiles were most likely diverted from a contract with India. In 2018, India ordered five regimental sets of the S 400 system under a deal valued at 5.43 billion US dollars. Russia was expected to complete deliveries by 2023 but has so far supplied only three of the five sets.
The use of export missiles comes at a sensitive time for New Delhi. India has been seeking to rebuild its own missile reserves following heightened tensions with Pakistan in the spring of 2025. Defence observers say Moscow is now using weapons that were already paid for by India to sustain its war against Ukraine.
The findings add to growing evidence that Russia, under the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, is struggling to maintain its military supplies while continuing large scale attacks on Ukraine. Defence analysts warn that continued diversion of export weapons could further damage Russia’s credibility as an arms supplier.
