Russia adapts Iskander missiles for increased efficacy in Ukraine conflict

Russians are modifying Iskander missile systems, drawing on insights from the war in Ukraine, reports Defence Blog. The updates focus on the 9M723 ballistic missiles of the Iskander-M system, which can reach up to about 500 kilometres. These changes are designed to enable more effective attacks on Ukraine.

These insights stem from analysing the remnants of Iskander missiles that have landed in Ukraine recently. Experts observed that alterations in the missiles' decoys, previously used to mislead Ukrainian air defence systems with false radio emissions, have been made.

The Defence Blog details that "these decoys were substituted with added satellite signal-resistant receivers, akin to those in gliding bombs and Iranian Shahed kamikaze drones." This adjustment suggests that Russian engineers focus on boosting Iskanders' resilience and precision rather than relying on decoys.

The Iskander is a land-based ballistic missile system intended for striking key military sites, such as airports, command centres, or communication facilities, and civilian targets like power stations. These missiles, regularly deployed against Ukraine, can inflict significant damage. The Iskander-M system's missiles weigh between 3,800 and 4,020 kilograms, depending on the payload, are longer than 7 metres, and are nearly a metre in diameter.

Due to their high velocity (up to Mach 6-7 for the Iskander-M variant) and trajectory, Iskanders pose a challenge to an opponent's anti-aircraft and missile defence systems. Furthermore, downing a missile doesn't eliminate its threat, as the resulting debris remains hazardous to people and property. Therefore, it's imperative to intercept these missiles outside densely populated areas.