{
  "id": 10209261,
  "title": "Russia Faces Shortage Of Missile Systems To Counter Ukrainian Ballistics — Expert",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/russia-faces-shortage-of-missile-systems-to-counter-ukrainian",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-27T10:22:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "UATV English",
    "slug": "uatv-english",
    "url": "https://uatv.ua/en/russia-faces-shortage-of-missile-systems-to-counter-ukrainian-ballistics-expert/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ukrainian advancements in ballistic capabilities and domestic missile production may pose challenges for Russia, according to Vadym Kushnikov, a commentator on the Militarnyi portal. Speaking on Ukrainian Radio, Kushnikov stated that Russia's missile defense capacity is limited, and it may struggle to safeguard all strategic targets.\n\nIn a vast country like Russia, the shortage of S-300 and S-400 missile defense systems is evident, Kushnikov noted. Although the enemy possesses assets to counter Ukrainian ballistics, they are primarily stationed around the Moscow region, leaving other regions vulnerable to massed and combined attacks by Ukraine's Defense Forces. Kushnikov emphasized that Ukraine's scientific community continues to develop in rocket-building, but domestic challenges such as Russian strikes on production sites and the production of specific missile weapon components, including solid-fuel rocket engines and guidance elements, should also be considered.\n\nKushnikov highlighted that the combination of these factors has formed the basis for Ukraine's efforts to create a ballistic shield. He pointed out that the enemy is currently facing a shortage of air defense systems, particularly S-400s, which can be observed through satellite imagery. Analysis of the tactical and technical characteristics reveals that Russia's most modern S-500, or Prometheus, systems, equipped with 77N6-N and 77N6-N1 interceptor missiles, are concentrated in the Moscow region. These systems, adapted from the A-135 system, form a key element of missile defense for the Moscow region.\n\nDespite having assets that could potentially shield against Ukrainian ballistics, the enemy's inventory is concentrated in a limited area, primarily around the Moscow region. As a result, other regions of Russia lack adequate coverage and are vulnerable to attacks by Ukraine's Security and Defense Forces. Earlier reports indicated that Russia currently does not utilize submarines in the Black Sea due to the associated risks and potential maintenance issues.",
  "summary": "Ukraine's developing ballistic program and domestic ballistic missiles capable of striking targets on the aggressor state's territory could create difficulties for Russia. Given the limits of its missile defense capacity, Russia won't be able to protect all strategic targets. \"Militarnyi\" portal commentator Vadym Kushnikov expressed this view on Ukrainian Radio , UATV English relays. \"In a…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}