Russia is using predominantly newly manufactured drones and missiles in its attacks on Ukraine, a sign that its accumulated stockpiles may be limited and that weapons are being deployed almost immediately after production, according to Ukrainian Defense Ministry adviser Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov.
According to Beskrestnov, a Shahed drone that struck Kharkiv was manufactured only a few days before the attack.
“Today, a Shahed that hit Kharkiv had been produced literally just a few days ago. Production dates can indirectly indicate the enemy’s weapons stockpiles,” he said.
He noted that Shahed drones are typically used within five to fifteen days of manufacture.
“In other words, Russia is attacking us almost directly from the factory,” Beskrestnov said.
At the same time, he stated that 9M723 Iskander ballistic missiles currently being used carry 2025 production markings, suggesting that Russia still maintains a stockpile of these weapons.
“This means Russia consistently has a reserve of at least 180–250 Iskander missiles. That is bad news,” Beskrestnov wrote in a post on Facebook.
He also reported that Zircon hypersonic missiles used against Ukraine are marked as having been produced in 2026. Kh-101 cruise missiles are most often manufactured only a few months before use and also bear 2026 production dates.
According to Beskrestnov, S-400 (48N6U) surface-to-air missiles likewise carry 2026 production markings, while Kh-59 missiles are dated to the third quarter of 2025.
Overall, he said, the production patterns of Russian drones and missiles suggest that most newly manufactured weapons are sent directly to operational use rather than being stored.
“Overall, it can be said that Russia’s production of UAVs and missiles does not allow it to build large stockpiles, and almost everything goes straight to the front,” Beskrestnov concluded.
