Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Russia Boosting Glide Bomb Production to 120,000 Annually: Ukraine Intelligence
Imagine Russia is making a lot of special bombs that can fly far and hit targets without needing to get too close, called glide bombs.
Ukraine's spy agency says Russia plans to make a huge number of these, up to 120,000 this year.
They are also developing some that can fly even farther, reaching cities deep inside Ukraine.
These bombs are cheaper than missiles and can cause a lot of damage.
Russia is also increasing its drone production, planning to make about 70,000 long-range drones next year, which they use to attack Ukraine's power systems.
Ukraine believes these attacks are meant to make life difficult for them and to push them towards peace talks.
Additionally, Ukraine stated that North Korea has sent Russia millions of old artillery shells and is now making its own drones too.
Russia says its military production is secret and denies targeting civilians.
Russia plans to manufacture up to 120,000 glide bombs in 2024, a significant increase, according to Ukrainian intelligence.
A new version of the glide bomb with a range of up to 200 km is also planned, with approximately 500 units to be produced this year.
Russian forces are reportedly firing between 200 to 250 glide bombs daily, an increase from previous months.
Ukraine estimates Russia will produce around 70,000 long-range drones in 2025, including 30,000 Shahed drones.
North Korea has supplied Russia with 6.5 million artillery shells since 2023 and has begun mass-producing its own drones.
- Who
- A senior Ukrainian intelligence official (Major General Vadym Skibitskyi)
- What
- Disclosed estimates of Russia's planned production of glide bombs and drones, and North Korean arms shipments, detailing increased manufacturing and extended range capabilities.
- When
- In an interview, with production estimates for 2024 and 2025.
- Where
- Ukraine, Russia, and North Korea.
- Why
- To highlight Russia's increasing military production capacity and its impact on the conflict, and to characterize these as tools to pressure Ukraine into peace negotiations.
Ukraine's Intelligence Assessment
Russia's Stance
Glide Bomb Production and Capabilities
Ukraine's Intelligence Assessment
Russia plans to produce up to 120,000 glide bombs in 2024, including 500 of a new version with a range of up to 200 km, which poses a significant threat due to their quantity, effectiveness, and ability to breach defenses.
Russia's Stance
Russia does not disclose details of its military output, which is classified as secret. Russia denies targeting civilians.
Drone Production and Attacks
Ukraine's Intelligence Assessment
Ukraine estimates Russia will produce approximately 70,000 long-range drones in 2025, including 30,000 Shahed drones, and expects continued attacks on energy infrastructure to destabilize Ukraine and pressure it into peace talks.
Russia's Stance
Russia denies targeting civilians, but argues that Kyiv's moves to ally with the West pose a threat to Russia and must be stopped.
North Korean Arms Shipments and Drone Production
Ukraine's Intelligence Assessment
North Korea has supplied Russia with 6.5 million artillery shells since 2023, though shipments have decreased this year. North Korea has also begun mass-producing its own drones.
Russia's Stance
North Korea acknowledges its involvement in Ukraine, stating its role helps preserve world peace against Western aggression, but has not provided specific details.
- Glide Bomb Production Target (2024)
- Up to 120,000
- New Long-Range Glide Bomb Production (2024)
- Approx. 500
- Daily Glide Bomb Usage
- 200-250
- New Glide Bomb Range
- Up to 200 km (125 miles)
- Long-Range Drone Production Target (2025)
- Approx. 70,000
- Shahed Drone Production Target (2025)
- Approx. 30,000
- North Korean Artillery Shells Supplied (Since 2023)
- 6.5 million
