Ukrainian official data show Russia has used large numbers of modified training
missiles (RM48U), low‑precision weapons originally for air‑defense target
practice, driving July–early August launches to record levels. Of 228 ballistic
and hypersonic missiles fired in that period, RM48U accounted for more than
half, a deployment scale not previously reported that helps explain Moscow’s
ability to expand summer strikes without rapidly depleting Iskander and other
precision attack missiles. RUSI senior researcher Sidharth Kaushal said mass
RM48U launches can exhaust Ukraine’s interceptor stocks and hit lower‑value
targets while conserving advanced missiles—Iskander, KN‑23 and Zircon—for a
possible intensified winter ballistic campaign. Ukrainian tallies also show
Iskander launches fell from over 100 the prior month to 38 as RM48U strikes
surged in July.
