Exclusive information obtained by Defense Express reveals that during today’s extensive missile attack on Ukraine, russian forces deployed a Kh-101 cruise missile manufactured in Q4 2023. This finding, corroborated by photographic evidence, underscores the strategic pause in mass missile strikes.
Previously, the pause in large-scale attacks was attributed to russia’s need to replenish its stockpile of aerial attack vehicles. However, a deeper analysis of this incident reveals additional insights. Typically, the production timeframe of russian cruise missiles is indicated by a ten-digit serial number engraved on all components. Notably, in January 2023, russian attempts to obscure the Kh-101 missile origins involved crudely grinding off serial numbers.
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Remarkably, russia has adopted a more sophisticated approach, employing cryptic serial numbers deliberately difficult to decipher. As illustrated in the accompanying photograph of the downed Kh-101 missile, the first six digits appear nonsensical. Identifying the Q4 2023 manufacture date requires deciphering a hidden code: subtracting five from the seventh digit reveals the corresponding quarter.
This deliberate obfuscation likely reflects russia’s attempt to mask the source of components used in these missiles targeting Ukraine.
While the deployment of a Q4 2023 Kh-101 missile doesn’t necessarily signify imminent depletion of russia’s missile arsenal, it does suggest that current production rates will influence the frequency of future attacks.
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