Russian forces have stepped up the use of S-400 air defense systems against ground targets since mid-2026, taking advantage of limited opposition from Ukrainian aviation. With Ukrainian aircraft posing little resistance, Russian commanders have been able to redirect air defense assets to support offensive operations, Military Watch Magazine (MWM) reports.

According to the publication, Russian troops are using 48N6U missiles for these strikes. Originally designed to intercept aerial targets traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 6, the missiles retain considerable kinetic energy when deployed against ground installations.

Ukrainian specialists have identified the 48N6U as a modified version of the 48N6 interceptor family. The missile was initially developed for the S-300PM air defense system before being adapted for use with the more advanced S-400 platform.

Its powerful fragmentation warhead allows the missile to inflict substantial damage on large structures, including industrial facilities. However, its accuracy falls short of that offered by dedicated tactical ballistic missiles.

The limitation stems from its guidance system, which was engineered primarily to intercept maneuvering airborne targets rather than strike fixed positions on the ground.

As a result, Russian forces typically employ these missiles against large targets such as industrial zones, logistics hubs, warehouses and military bases, where minor targeting errors are less likely to compromise the mission.

Citing Ukrainian sources, MWM reports that Russia has more than doubled production of 48N6U missiles. Approximately 200 units were manufactured in 2025, while output is expected to reach around 500 missiles by the end of 2026.

Each 48N6U carries a 180-kilogram high-explosive fragmentation warhead. By comparison, missiles used by the Iskander-M tactical missile system typically carry a 500-kilogram warhead.

MWM also highlighted changes in how Russian forces employ S-400 systems against Ukrainian aircraft. One of the most significant developments involves intercepting targets beyond direct line of sight, a tactic the publication links to the loss of several Ukrainian fighter jets.

To carry out these operations, Russian units reportedly moved S-400 launchers covertly into forward positions and deployed them in ambush configurations.

This approach enabled Russian air defense crews to engage Ukrainian aircraft almost immediately after takeoff, expanding the S-400’s role in both aerial interception and ground attack missions.