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Russia Gears Up for NATO Fight—Plans 2,500 Missiles, Hundreds of Tanks, and Dozens of Warplanes

Russia is ramping up its war machine at breakneck speed, with plans to produce 2,500 missiles, nearly 250 tanks, 1,100 armored vehicles, and 57 advanced fighter jets by the end of the year, according to Ukrainian military intelligence. Officials in Kyiv warn the surge signals not just preparations for the ongoing war against Ukraine, but also for a potential confrontation with NATO in the years ahead.

Sep 08, 2025 13:15 Updated Oct 07, 2025 18:27

3 min read

Authors: Vlad Litnarovych
News Writer

Russia is pushing its defense industry into overdrive, planning to produce dozens of new fighter jets, hundreds of tanks and armored vehicles, and thousands of missiles by year’s end, according to Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR), in an interview with Ukrainian media outlet Ukrinform on September 7.

Moscow’s production targets reveal preparations not only for its war against Ukraine but also for a potential confrontation with NATO by 2030.

A Russian T-90M tank rolls on Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in central Moscow on May 9, 2025. (Source: Getty Images)

War in the sky: 57 new fighters slated for 2025

“We clearly understand the figures the Russian Federation has planned for new weapons,” Skibitskyi said.

“They’ve set 57 modern aircraft for this year—Su-57s, Su-35s, Su-34s, and Su-30s. Nearly 250 T-90M tanks—not modernized ones, brand new. About 1,100 new BTR-3 and BTR-82A armored vehicles. And 365 artillery systems, also new, not refurbished.”

A Russian Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft flies during the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, in southern China’s Guangdong province, on November 15, 2024. (Source: Getty Images)

The Russian Warrior Flight Show Team piloted the Su-35 heavy fighter jet for a flight demonstration at the Zhuhai Air Show during the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, China, November 12, 2024. (Source: Getty Images)

A group of technicians meets the Su-34 on the runway in Kubinka, Moscow region, Russia, on August 29, 2020. (Source: Getty Images)

Three Russian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30SM fighter jets of the Falcons of Russia aerobatic team are seen performing a flight display during the annual Army defense technology exhibition on September 7, 2016. (Source: Getty Images)

A flood of missiles: from Iskanders to hypersonic Kinzhal

HUR estimates Russia also aims to turn out around 2,500 precision missiles of various types, including Iskander cruise and ballistic missiles, and Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic weapons. Skibitskyi added that new long-range and high-speed anti-ship missiles are in development.

He said Russia is concentrating on three priorities: longer ranges, greater accuracy, and more powerful warheads. “This shows they are preparing not only for the war against Ukraine, but for a potential conflict with NATO,” Skibitskyi warned.

Russian BTR-82A at the Victory Day Parade rehearsal on Palace Square in St. Petersburg, May 3, 2025. (Source: Getty Images)

Tanks, APCs, and artillery: Russia’s ground forces get a boost

Ukraine’s intelligence services, which share data with partners including the US, also noted Russia’s increasing output of drones—from Geran and Harpia loitering munitions to cheap, mass-produced FPV drones.

Looking ahead, Skibitskyi said Russia’s tank fleet will consolidate around the T-90, Armata, and T-80. New artillery systems like the Koalitsiya, Msta variants, Malva, Giatsint, and Magnoliya are being pushed into production based on battlefield lessons in Ukraine.

A T-14 Armata tank rides through Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow on May 9, 2017. (Source: Getty Images)

Russian Army T-80 UE-1 tank and BMPT “Terminator” armored fighting vehicles (AFV) are seen during the annual Army Games defense technology international exhibition, on August 25, 2021. (Source: Getty Images)

He added that Russia has mapped out a 10-year weapons program covering 2026–2037, emphasizing heavy armor, warships, aviation, and missile systems designed for longer strike ranges.

“Striking Ukraine is one combat radius. Preparing for a war with NATO by 2030 requires another,” Skibitskyi said.

Earlier, Russia pitched a co-production deal to India that could breathe new life into its struggling T-14 Armata main battle tank, once touted as the future of Russian armored warfare.

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