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 sen

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.