News of War Staff Writer
Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu meets with President Vladimir Putin after a flag-raising ceremony for the Admiral Golovko frigate joining the Russian Navy Fleet at a shipyard in Saint Petersburg, Russia, December 25, 2023. Sputnik/Alexei Danichev/Pool via Reuters
In a recent video footage released on Tuesday, Russian Defence Secretary Sergei Shoigu disclosed an escalation in the manufacturing of air defence missiles, highlighting the presence of "key issues" requiring urgent attention.
Following a series of drone strikes originating from Ukraine, targeting Russian urban centres and energy structures, this announcement by the Defence Ministry comes as Moscow intensifies its military operations against Kyiv.
During a visit to defence industry establishments in Yekaterinburg, a significant industrial city in the Urals, Shoigu was observed inspecting facilities dedicated to the production of maritime and terrestrial cruise missiles, in addition to air defence systems.
Shoigu, while at a missile factory, reported, "There has been a considerable augmentation in our production capacity. The output of missiles essential for air defence has more than doubled. However, there are several crucial challenges to confront, with a particular focus on engine development and the establishment of launcher production."
These videos were shared on the Defence Ministry's Telegram channel.
In recent times, Russian officials have signalled rapid enhancements in the nation's military industrial capabilities, designed to reinforce Russia's military efforts in its stalemated confrontation with Ukraine.
Over the past few weeks, several attacks on Russian urban areas and oil and gas infrastructures have occurred. Some of these attacks have been either claimed by Ukrainian authorities or attributed to Kyiv by the Kremlin.