Russia halted production of Kinzhal and Kh-32: intelligence details

Since April of this year Russia has suspended production and use of Kinzhal missiles and Kh-32, directing resources to other types of ballistic weaponry. This was stated by Deputy Chief of the GUR Major General Vadym Skibitsky in an interview with RBC-Ukraine, writes Glavcom.

“The Russians were able to ramp up production of ballistic missiles in part because they have currently stopped producing Kinzhal. Accordingly, rocket fuel is now going not to Kinzhal but to other ballistic missiles. In addition, they suspended the production and use of the Kh-32 (a modernization of the Kh-22), so the funds and components that had been allocated to those were redistributed to other missile types — which are considered more effective,” Skibitsky noted.

According to the deputy chief of the GUR, the suspension of production of these missile models has been observed since April of this year. “They were working to increase the accuracy of the Kh-32. However, the results of several combat tests showed that they were not succeeding, and the Russians sent them back for further development, and the plan for serial production was suspended,” he added.

“They have similar issues with the Kinzhal. It’s unlikely we can recall an instance when this missile hit a target precisely. For an effective missile, deviation from the target should not exceed 5-7 m, but theirs is 30 m and more,” the official concluded.

Incidentally, Skibitsky noted that Russia will likely stockpile a missile reserve for the autumn-winter campaign, but does not plan to stop strikes entirely. In his words, the creation of a reserve of Russian missiles can be tracked by comparing their production volumes and the number of munitions used. “We believe that yes — the creation of a reserve will take place,” he said.