Satellite images show Russia ramping up solid-fuel missile production, researcher says
FirstpostSatellite photos taken by Maxar Technologies in July, September and October, reviewed by Reuters, show cleared vegetation and extensive new construction next to buildings that Hinz identified as solid-fuel research and production facilities at the five complexes. Satellite images show major expansions at five complexes where Russia has made solid-fuel missile engines, indicating the Kremlin plans to significantly boost missile production as it pursues its war in Ukraine, according to a European researcher. They are Engines for solid- fuel missiles Pavel Podvig, a Geneva-based defense 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 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.