Russia's billion-dollar missile and drone budget exposed
According to Forbes magazine, Russia spends $1.1 billion on rockets and $100 million on drones each month. According to Ukrainian intelligence reports, the average monthly production rate of rockets in Russia ranges from 132 to 171.
Russia spends the most on Kh-101 cruise missiles, which can target the entire territory of Ukraine. A budget of $585 million is allocated for these, with an average production of 45 missiles per month. Additionally, $228 million is spent on Kalibr rockets, with an average production of 35 per month.
Russia allocates $135 million each month for Iskander-M missiles, which produce about 45 units monthly. Meanwhile, Kinzhal missiles cost $60 million, and up to 10 units are produced each month.
$38 million is allocated for Iskander-K cruise missiles, which produce about 10-15 units monthly. Oniks missiles, costing $13 million, produce 6 units each month.
$100 million is allocated monthly for Iranian Shahed 136 drones, which produce around 500 units per month.
How long will the war last? Putin fears two things
According to experts from the American Institute for the Study of War, Russia aims to win the war against Ukraine before 2026, anticipating a worsening economic situation and recruitment problems. They referenced comments from General Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR).
According to Budanov, the Kremlin believes that 2025 will be crucial. If Russia fails to secure victory by early 2026, it will undermine its aspirations to be a global superpower for the next 30 years.
Budanov assesses that the Russian authorities expect a decline in the economic and socio-political situation by mid-2025, along with increasing problems with military recruitment. According to ISW, Russia has difficulties recruiting volunteers for the war against Ukraine despite significantly increasing one-time enlistment payments (amounting to $11,000 and more).
