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According to Kyiv, Russia is struggling to meet its defense orders for the Kh-59M2 Kinzhal cruise missile due to component shortages caused by sanctions. Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (GUR) released data highlighting Russia’s difficulties in producing this critical weapon.
Newsweek has contacted the Russian defense ministry for comment.
**Why It Matters**
Kh-59 missiles are air-to-surface systems designed to strike ground and naval targets, often used with Shahed drones to damage Ukrainian infrastructure. Kyiv’s claims that Moscow is struggling to produce these missiles due to a lack of components reinforce the argument that continued sanctions targeting lower-tier suppliers could reduce Russia’s strike capacity.
**What To Know**
On Wednesday, Ukraine’s military intelligence released data showing growing difficulties in producing the Kh-59M2/M2A missile. Approximately 116 companies are involved in its manufacture, with around 50 unsanctioned by any country. However, Russia is still unable to meet production deadlines due to a lack of domestic and imported electronic components, limited manufacturing capacity, and schedule disruptions.
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Manufacturers have sometimes resorted to using mock-ups with the same dimensions and weight instead of installing expensive active radar homing heads. Even using old engines and guidance systems has not helped; Ukraine’s defense intelligence stated on Telegram that “cannibalizing old systems does not save the situation.”
Despite these production difficulties, dozens of unsanctioned Russian firms continue to operate, making electronic components, guidance systems, and other key parts for the Kh-59.
**What People Are Saying**
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence on Telegram: “The constant shortage of domestic and foreign component bases, limited production capacities, and schedule disruptions force Russian enterprises to regularly report non-compliance with the pace and deadlines for missile production.”
**What Happens Next**
Ukraine’s defense intelligence statement suggests that sanctions are working and calls for expanding restrictions on lower-level component suppliers. Kyiv and its allies hope that President Donald Trump’s upcoming summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin will include discussions about maintaining sanctions on Moscow’s war machine.
