The evolution of Russia’s precision strike: adopting mass precision
Think tank: RUSI
Author(s): Dr Sidharth Kaushal and Sam Cranny-Evans
August 25, 2026
This report from UK think tank RUSI is for defence and security professionals seeking insights into Russia’s evolving military capabilities and strategic adaptations.
Russia’s war in Ukraine has driven a shift from massed firepower to mass precision strike, reshaping doctrine and future military effectiveness.
This paper reveals how Russia’s war in Ukraine has transformed its approach from massed firepower to mass precision strike, reshaping future military doctrine and operational effectiveness.
Key Deductions
Russia cannot offset its requirements entirely using tactical precision strike. It will prioritise integration of precision strike with traditional artillery for maximum battlefield impact.
Russia has institutionalised lessons in reconnaissance, targeting and ISTAR dominance and this will enhance future force effectiveness more than specific capabilities. In a war with NATO Russia must optimise for the initial period, providing incentives to focus on more expensive capabilities with a higher probability of penetrating air defences to hit vital targets.
The Russians have still not developed a coherent means of restoring the ability to maneouvre, but see suppression by tactical precision strike as a key component of a future CONOPs. This paper is for defence and security professionals seeking insights into Russia’s evolving military capabilities and strategic adaptations.
