Hinz’s findings come as Russia has been forced to turn to North Korea and Iran, US officials say, to refill missile stocks depleted by the nearly three-year conflict.
Moscow’s forces have fired more than 9,600 missiles since the beginning of the war, Ukraine’s top general said in August.
Expanding solid-fuel missile motor production could help the Kremlin to meet the demands of the war without having to count on outside suppliers like North Korea, whose missiles have frequently malfunctioned, according to Ukrainian officials.
Solid propellants comprise a mixture of fuel, such as aluminium powder, and oxidizers, most commonly ammonium perchlorate, and a hard rubbery binder that is “cast” in a rocket motor.
Solid-fuel missiles are often easier and safer to operate, especially on the battlefield, than liquid-fuel weapons. They are also ready to launch, cheaper, store longer, and require less logistical support.
ENGINES FOR SOLID-FUEL MISSILES
Pavel Podvig, a Geneva-based defence analyst, agreed after reviewing the photos that the expansions indicated that Russia plans to boost solid-fuel missile production for weaponry it needs for Ukraine, such as ground-to-ground rockets. Podvig, an expert on Russia’s military, said he was aware that several of these sites have been used to manufacture solid fuel engines.
“You produce the propellant, you have to use it somehow. That does suggest the production of missiles will increase,” he said, adding that he saw no alternative explanation for the expansions.
Podvig said he does not believe Russia is planning to boost the manufacturing of solid-fuel missiles for its strategic nuclear forces as their production rates are “pretty established”.
A senior Russian diplomat in May, however, said that Russia would have to boost its entire missile arsenal as Moscow is in an open confrontation with the United States and its allies.
Hinz noted that the satellite photos provide no clues as to the kinds of solid-fuel missile engines whose production Russia may be planning to boost.
Russia manufactures an extensive range of solid-fuel missiles, including Grads and Uragans fired by mobile launchers, anti-tank rockets, advanced S-300 and S-400 air defence missiles, and Iskander-M short-range ballistic missiles.
Source: CNA
