As of early July 2025, Russia has stockpiled about 300 short-range ballistic missiles, including over 250 "Iskander-M" and approximately 50 North Korean KN-23 missiles, Ukrainian defense intelligence reported in response to LIGA.net, also quoted by Defense Express, reports Focus.
According to the analysis, the expansion of the arsenal highlights the deepening military-technical cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, with the KN-23 becoming a key source of additional ballistic ammunition for the Kremlin. These missiles are almost identical in design and capabilities to the Russian "Iskander-M", and are successfully integrated into the Russian arsenal.
Deployment and Threat
Over 60 mobile launchers are already deployed along the border between Russia and Ukraine, capable of launching "Iskander" missiles. This gives the Russian army the ability to carry out high-precision strikes on military and civilian targets, posing a constant threat to Ukrainian territory, analysts note.
Updated data from July indicates that some of the missiles may already be deployed or used, but the available arsenal remains significant. Also, the growing reliance on North Korean weapons demonstrates the limitations of Russia’s domestic production base and its increased reliance on supplies from sanctioned countries.
Increased production
Ukrainian intelligence also confirms that Russia has increased its monthly production of ballistic missiles by 50%. While in 2024 it was producing about 40 missiles per month, by mid-2025 this number had increased to 60. This is a sign of massive investment in the missile industry to maintain long-range strike capabilities.
This escalation in missile stockpiles and production capacity requires Ukraine and its international partners to take immediate measures to strengthen air defenses, improve early warning systems, and develop strategic countermeasures against the increased missile threat.