Among the wreckage of russian missiles, a 48N6E2 missile for S-300PMU2 and S-400 systems was spotted for the first time. According to Defense Express's own sources, the use of export variant of these missiles had never been recorded before.
Fragments of the missile, still bearing intact identification numbers, confirm that it is a 48N6E2, where "E" standing for export version.
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According to multiple sources, the S-400 air defense system uses 48N6E, 48N6E2, 48N6E3, 9M96E, 9M96E2, 40N6E missiles, along with 48N6, 48N6M, and 48N6DM, 9M96, 9M96M, and 40N6 missiles. However, russian official sources use only one type of index, either indicating export versions or marking missile variants with a slash, for example 48N6E3/48N6MD. Ultimately, the basic parameters of these missiles are the same.
Therefore, the fragments belong to the 48N6E2 missile, an export version of the 48N6M, sharing the same specifications, including a declared range of 200 km.
It should be emphasized that there is no mention of new threats or opportunities for the enemy through the use of the export variant of the missile. At the same time, the deployment of missiles meant for export sends a strong signal. This suggests a shortage of standard ammunition and raises questions about russia's ability to fulfill export contracts.
In particular, this specific missile was manufactured under an export agreement, but instead of being exported, it was used by russian forces. Since this missile can only be used with the S-400 and S-300PMU2 Favorit, the latter being the last upgrade of the Soviet system before the S-400, it's fairly easy to infer who was left without missiles.
Export S-300PMU2 systems were supplied to Azerbaijan, Algeria, Iran, China, and Syria, while S-400 systems were supplied to Algeria, Belarus, India, China, and Turkey. However, only one contract with India is currently being fulfilled. India's 2018 order for five S-400 systems, worth $5.43 billion and due by 2023, remains incomplete, with only three delivered. Despite the delays in fulfillment, India is reportedly interested in purchasing additional systems.
Moreover, following Operation Sindoor in the spring of 2025, which involved a large-scale clash with Pakistan, India remains the only country operating russian air defense systems that needs to replenish its missile stocks.
It cannot be ruled out that these missiles were intended to replenish the stocks of other russian customers. Iran is a likely candidate, having received four S-300PMU2 divisions by 2016 under the 2007 contract. However, their status after Israeli strikes in June 2025, when the Israel Defense Forces reportedly destroyed the Iranian air defense system, is uncertain.
In any case, rather than being exported, these missiles were employed in a highly inaccurate strike on a ground target, losing control at several kilometers altitude and hitting only a vague area.
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