Russia Repurposes Training Missiles in Growing Ukraine Air Campaign

Photo credit: Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation/Wikimedia commons

 LONDON/KYIV, September 18, 2026 — Russia has increasingly turned to a less accurate missile originally developed for air-defense training as part of its expanding ballistic missile campaign against Ukraine, according to Ukrainian data reviewed by Reuters.

The weapon, known as the RM48U, was originally designed as a target missile for air-defense exercises. Ukrainian investigators say Russia has recently begun using it in significant numbers against targets in Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian data compiled by military analysts, RM48Us accounted for 87 of 158 ballistic and hypersonic missile strikes recorded in July. During the first eight days of August, 36 of 70 such strikes involved the same type of missile.

Why Russia is using the RM48U

The RM48U is considered less accurate and less powerful than Russia’s main short-range ballistic missile, the Iskander. Ukrainian officials say the missile can deviate considerably from its intended target, increasing the risk of damage in populated areas.

Analysts cited by Reuters say Moscow may be using the cheaper weapon partly to put pressure on Ukraine’s already limited air-defense interceptor stocks while preserving more sophisticated missiles for future operations.

The change also comes as Russia continues to conduct large-scale drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

Railway station strike

Ukrainian investigators linked an RM48U to a missile strike near a railway platform in the Brovary district outside Kyiv on August 5. Eight people were killed in the attack, according to local officials.

Investigators said they reached their conclusion after examining the impact site, fragments and damage around the railway area. Reuters said it could not independently verify the Ukrainian findings.

Russia’s Defence Ministry did not respond to Reuters’ questions about the use of RM48Us. Moscow has previously denied deliberately targeting civilians and says its strikes are directed at military infrastructure.

Pressure on Ukraine’s air defenses

The increased use of ballistic missiles comes as Ukraine faces shortages of advanced air-defense interceptors, particularly Patriot missiles, which are among the systems capable of intercepting Russian ballistic weapons.

Photo credit: Air Force Command of UA Armed Forces/Wikimedia commons

Ukrainian officials have repeatedly appealed to Western countries for additional Patriot systems and interceptors as Russian missile and drone attacks intensify.

The latest developments point to a broader shift in Russia’s air campaign, with Moscow combining large numbers of cheaper or less accurate weapons with more advanced missiles and drones.