Russia Runs Low on S-300 Interceptors as Ukraine Deep Strikes Drain Stocks
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jun 17
Russia Runs Low on S-300 Interceptors as Ukraine Deep Strikes Drain Stocks
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jun 17
Summary
Ukrainian intelligence officials told CBS News Russia is facing a shortage of S-300 interceptors, a key layer in its air defenses against Ukrainian missiles and drones.
Two forces are driving the squeeze: Moscow has repurposed some S-300s for ground strikes on Ukraine, while repeated Ukrainian drone and missile attacks have forced Russia to burn through more interceptors.
Rob Lee of the Foreign Policy Research Institute said Ukraine has recently destroyed or targeted numerous Russian air defense systems in Crimea, Luhansk and other occupied areas, accelerating what he called an unsustainable expenditure rate.
Rebuilding stocks may be difficult because Russia lacks components such as guidance seekers and control modules, with sanctions complicating access to Western and Chinese supplies.
The shortage could widen openings for Ukrainian long-range attacks, though Russia still fields newer S-350, S-400 and Pantsir systems and Ukraine remains short of PAC-3 interceptors as Moscow may raise ballistic missile output to 600-800 a year.
As cheap drones overwhelm costly missiles, is Russia now losing the economic war in its skies?
With its air defense shield weakening, can Russia protect its critical infrastructure from collapse?
Russia’s S-300 Missile Crisis: Stockpile Depletion, Ukrainian Deep Strikes, and the Global Air Defense Shortage in 2026
Overview
As of June 2026, Russia is confirmed to be running low on its S-300 interceptor missiles, a key part of its air defense. In response, Moscow is shifting its focus to producing newer systems like the S-350, S-400, and Pantsir-S1. This change is driven by Russia’s heavy use of S-300 and S-400 missiles for ground attacks against Ukraine, which has quickly reduced their stockpile. The rapid consumption of these missiles has forced Russia to adapt its production strategy, highlighting both the immediate crisis in its air defense and the broader impact of the ongoing conflict.