Russia Repurposes Export S-400 Missiles from Foreign Contracts for Strikes in Ukraine

Russia has used export-version missiles associated with the S-400 air defence system to strike ground targets in Ukraine, after fragments from recent attacks were identified as 48N6E2 interceptors originally made for foreign customers, according to Defence Blog on January 23.

The outlet said that serial plates and identification markings on recovered debris showed the missiles carried the export designation “E,” indicating they were produced for delivery abroad rather than for Russia’s own forces.

Defense Express said it had not previously recorded Russia using export versions of the 48N6 family in combat, and described the finding as evidence Moscow is drawing on stocks tied to foreign contracts as it sustains long-range attacks on Ukraine.

Defense Express said 48N6E2 is a 7.5 m long, Mach 6+ surface-to-air missile with a 200 km range, semi-active radar guidance, and a 180 kg fragmentation warhead, capable of intercepting aircraft, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic targets in the S-300PMU2 and S-400 systems.

Defense Express argued the most plausible destination for the missiles was India’s 2018 deal for five S-400 regimental sets, valued at $5.43 billion, because it said India remains the only active customer still awaiting deliveries and would have a clear operational need to replenish stocks after high-intensity use.

Reuters has reported that Russia expects to complete deliveries under the 2018 agreement later than planned, with the final systems anticipated in 2026 and 2027. 

Earlier, it was reported that heavy losses of long‑range Russian air defense systems in Ukraine have led Moscow to seek the return of S‑400 batteries previously sold to Türkiye, highlighting shortages of advanced interceptors.

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