Russia shifts missile orders from Kinzhal to Iskander-M amid technical problems, Ukraine says
Russia has sharply reduced its 2026 orders for Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles and redirected resources toward Iskander-M production, according to Ukrainian military intelligence, which cited guidance problems and a limited fleet of launch aircraft.
Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR) said on Oct. 12 that Russia had significantly reduced state defense orders for Kinzhal missiles in 2026, reallocating production capacity, components and raw materials to the Iskander-M ballistic missile program.
According to HUR, the shift may be partly linked to problems with the Kinzhal's guidance accuracy. The missile currently uses a penetrating warhead designed to strike hardened targets, where precision is particularly important. Russia is now developing a version with a conventional high-explosive fragmentation warhead, the agency said.
Another constraint is Russia's limited fleet of MiG-31I and MiG-31K aircraft used to launch Kinzhals. Russia no longer manufactures these aircraft, HUR said.
The agency estimates that the Kinzhal shares approximately 90% of its components with the Iskander-M ballistic missile. Key differences include its aerodynamic tail fairing, radar seeker and electronic countermeasure system.
HUR also published information on 58 Russian companies involved in Kinzhal production. It said 22 of them remain outside the sanctions imposed by countries participating in the sanctions coalition.
The intelligence agency called for coordinated restrictions on all companies involved in the missile's production and tighter controls on technologies used by Russia.
The claims about Russia's production priorities and the missile's technical limitations could not be independently verified.
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