Russia Increases Kh-101 Missile Production Despite Component Shortages — Investigation

Russia has significantly increased production of Kh-101 cruise missiles but is facing shortages of key components due to Western sanctions.

This is reported in an investigation by the private intelligence firm Dallas, cited by 24 Kanal.

While sanctions imposed by the EU and the United States have strained supply chains, Russia continues to scale up its output of missiles and loitering munitions used in attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

Intelligence analysts believe Moscow may also be preparing for a wider conflict, including a potential confrontation with NATO.

According to the investigation, production of Kh-101 missiles has risen from 56 units annually to approximately 50 per month.

This acceleration is supported by round-the-clock operations in three shifts. Western-made components are reportedly acquired through intermediary firms linked to Russian oligarchs and the defense-industrial base.

The Tactical Missile Armament Corporation (KTRV), a state-owned defense holding under the Russian Federal Agency for State Property Management (Rosimushchestvo), oversees the production. Boris Gryzlov, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s ambassador to Belarus, chairs the board. The corporation is led by General Director Boris Obnosov, a former Russian representative to the UN.

Obnosov also oversees TRV-Engineering, a nominally private company that plays a critical logistical role in the Russian defense sector. It is responsible for procurement and sanctions evasion, including the sourcing of parts for the Kh-101, Kh-59, Kh-69, 3M14 Kalibr cruise missiles, and UMPK-type glide bombs.

TRV-Engineering reportedly sources parts through front companies in China and other countries. While some components, such as altimeters for the Kh-101, are now produced domestically by the Ural Design Bureau Detal, others are still imported.

The report notes that microchips from OJSC Integral in Minsk (121 Kazinets St., Minsk, Belarus) are among the few components not yet confirmed to be locally produced.

Despite these workarounds, the proportion of Western parts in Russian weapons has decreased significantly. Many components are now sourced from allied countries or produced within Russia.

The investigation also uncovered documents outlining Russia’s production plans through 2025. At least 633 Kh-101 missiles are expected to be manufactured — 400 under a primary state contract and 233 under supplemental agreements.

An additional at least 223 missiles are planned for 2026, although not all may be operational or survive deployment.

These plans indicate a large-scale program to expand production.

These estimates are based on invoices and procurement documents related to microchips and altimeter components, key elements for missile navigation. The largest volumes are tied to the contract No. 2225187923201412208226001.

Despite logistical and financial difficulties, including disrupted raw material supplies from Kazakhstan, Russia continues to seek new suppliers, particularly in China. However, the report notes that even small failures in this supply chain could critically impact production.