{{Short description|Russian short-range ballistic missile}} {{About|the Russian missile system||Iskandar (disambiguation){{!}}Iskandar}} {{protection padlock|small=yes}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}} {{Infobox weapon | is_missile = yes | name = 9K720 Iskander <br /> SS-26 Stone | image = Army2016demo-075.jpg | image_size = 300 | caption = Iskander-M missile on the starboard erector arm of the 9P78-1 transporter erector launcher displayed at the «ARMY-2016» military-technical forum | origin = Russia | type = Short-range ballistic missile | service = 2006–present<ref name="CSIS">{{cite web|url=http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/ss-26-iskander/|title=Iskander (SS-26)|work=CSIS Missile Threat|access-date=3 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104081046/http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/ss-26-iskander/|archive-date=4 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> | vehicle_range = {{convert|400-500|km|mi|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite magazine | last1 = Mashynostroeniya | first1 = KB | date = 2006-06-20 | title = Iskander M/E (SS-21 / SS-26) | url = https://defense-update.com/20060620_iskander.html | url-access = | url-status = dead | magazine = Defense Update | language = en | edition = | location = | publisher = | publication-date = | volume = | issue = 2 | page = | pages = | doi = | issn = | jstor = | lccn = | oclc = | ol = | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230607185802/https://defense-update.com/20060620_iskander.html | archive-date = 2023-06-07 | access-date = 2024-05-21 | quote = The missile is designed for mobile, autonomous operation and is capable of striking point and area targets at ranges of 50 – 280 km. (The M version is believed to have a range of 400 km). | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://rnns.ru/14897-udarnaja-sila-raketnaja-pautina.html|title=Ударная Сила: Ракетная паутина (оперативно-тактический ракетный комплекс 9К720 "Искандер" SS-26 "Stone") » RNNS.RU|access-date=8 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106082809/http://rnns.ru/14897-udarnaja-sila-raketnaja-pautina.html|archive-date=6 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> for Iskander-M | filling = {{convert|480-700|kg|lb|abbr=on}} thermonuclear weapon, high-explosive fragmentation, submunition, penetration, fuel–air explosive, EMP<ref name="fas.org">{{cite web | first1=John | last1=Pike | first2=Charles | last2=Vick | first3=Mirko | last3=Jacubowski | first4=Patrick | last4=Garrett | date = 2000-09-03 | url = https://nuke.fas.org/guide/russia/theater/ss-26.htm|title=Iskander/SS-26 | website = Federation of American Scientists| access-date = 12 February 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240122145400/https://nuke.fas.org/guide/russia/theater/ss-26.htm | archive-date = 2024-01-22 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="CSIS" /> | engine = Single-stage solid propellant | guidance = '''Iskander-M''': INS + GLONASS + DSMAC<br/>'''Iskander-K''': INS + GLONASS + TERCOM<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arms-expo.ru/news/archive/dmitriy-rogozin-iskandery-budut-razmescheny-v-kaliningrade10-11-2011-16-00-00/?sphrase_id=2017576|title=Дмитрий Рогозин: "Искандеры" будут размещены в Калининграде|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223204523/http://www.arms-expo.ru/news/archive/dmitriy-rogozin-iskandery-budut-razmescheny-v-kaliningrade10-11-2011-16-00-00/?sphrase_id=2017576|archive-date=23 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> | accuracy = | speed = | length = {{convert|7.3|m|abbr=on}} | diameter = {{convert|0.92|m|abbr=on}} | weight = {{convert|3800|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="IskSpecs">{{cite web | last1 = Pike | first1 = John | date = 2018-08-08 | title = 9K720 Iskander-M (SS-26 Stone) - Specifications| url = https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/ss-26-specs.htm | url-access = subscription | website = GlobalSecurity.org | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230411084155/https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/ss-26-specs.htm | archive-date = 2023-04-11 | url-status = live | access-date = 2024-05-20 | df = dmy-all}}</ref> | payload_capacity = {{convert|480|kg}}{{r|IskSpecs}} | manufacturer = Missiles: Votkinsk Plant State Production Association (Votkinsk)<br />Ground Equipment: Production Association Barricades (Volgograd)<br />System Developer: KBM (Kolomna) | design_date = From 1988 | unit_cost = {{US$|3}}{{nbsp}}million (missile)<ref name=Forbes01>{{cite news |first1=Volodymyr |last1=Landa |last2 = Gnenny |first2 = Konstantin |date=2022-06-27 |script-title=uk:Росія за вихідні випустила по Україні ракет вартістю близько $200 млн. |trans-title=Over the weekend, Russia launched missiles worth about $200 million over Ukraine. |url=https://forbes.ua/inside/rosiya-za-vikhidni-vipustila-po-ukraini-raket-vartistyu-blizko-200-mln-otsinka-forbes-27062022-6838 |url-status=live |work=Forbes |language=uk |edition=Ukraine | issn = 0015-6914 | oclc= 6465733 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240506172836/https://forbes.ua/inside/rosiya-za-vikhidni-vipustila-po-ukraini-raket-vartistyu-blizko-200-mln-otsinka-forbes-27062022-6838 |archive-date= 2024-05-06 |access-date= 2024-05-20 |script-quote=uk:Для розрахунку вартості цих ракет Forbes використовував такі оцінки: вартість ракети Х-101 – $13 млн, «Калібр» – $6,5 млн, «Іскандер» – $3 млн, «Онікс» – $1,25 млн, Х-22 – $1 млн, «Точка-У» – $0,3 млн. |trans-quote=To calculate the cost of these missiles, Forbes used the following estimates: the cost of the X-101 missile - $13 million, "Kalibr" - $6.5 million, "Iskander" - $3 million, "Onyx" - $1.25 million, X-22 - $1 million, "Point-U" - $0.3 million. |df = dmy-all}}</ref> | used_by = Russian Ground Forces<br />Armenian Armed Forces<br />Algerian People's National Army<br />Armed Forces of Belarus | launch_platform = Mobile TEL | wars = Russo-Georgian War<br />Syrian Civil War<ref>{{cite news|url=https://ria.ru/syria/20171222/1511520986.html?referrer_block=index_archive_8 |title=Tłumacz Google|newspaper=Риа Новости|date=22 December 2017}}</ref><br />Second Nagorno-Karabakh War<br />Russo-Ukrainian war }}
The '''9K720 Iskander''' ({{langx|ru|«Искандер»}}; NATO reporting name '''SS-26 Stone''') is a family of Russian mobile short-range ballistic missile systems. The basic M model has a range of {{convert|500|km|nmi mi}}. It was intended to replace the OTR-21 Tochka in the Russian military by 2020.
The Iskander has several different conventional warheads, including a cluster munitions warhead, a fuel–air explosive enhanced-blast warhead, a high-explosive fragmentation warhead, an earth penetrator for bunker busting and an electromagnetic pulse device for anti-radar missions. The missile can also carry nuclear warheads.<ref name="IskHist">{{cite web |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/ss-26-program.htm |url-access=subscription |title=9K720 Iskander-M (SS-26 Stone) - Development |last1=Pike |first1=John |date=2023-09-25 |website=GlobalSecurity.org |language=en |access-date=2024-05-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616112216/https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/ss-26-program.htm |archive-date=2023-06-16 |df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Isk">{{cite web |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/ss-26.htm |url-access=subscription |title=9K720 Iskander-M (SS-26 Stone) |last1=Pike |first1=John |date=2023-09-25 |website=GlobalSecurity.org |language=en |access-date=2024-05-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415061443/https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/ss-26.htm |archive-date=2024-04-15 |df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.ria.ru/world/20131217/185654740/NATO-Members-Alarmed-by-Russian-Nuclear-Missile-Deployment.html|title=NATO Members Alarmed by Russian Nuclear Missile Deployment|date=17 December 2013|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730015313/http://en.ria.ru/world/20131217/185654740/NATO-Members-Alarmed-by-Russian-Nuclear-Missile-Deployment.html|archive-date=30 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2017, the KB Mashinostroyeniya (KBM) general designer Valery M. Kashin said that there were at least seven types of missiles (and "perhaps more") for Iskander, including one cruise missile.{{better source needed|date=June 2025}}
==History== The road-mobile Iskander<ref group=note>"Iskander" is one variant among many of Alexander the Great's given name as expressed by various cultures in the Caucasus and Central Asia, among other regions: Iskander, Askander, Eskinder, Scandar, Eskandar.</ref> was the second attempt by Russia to replace the Scud missile. The first attempt, the OTR-23 Oka, was eliminated under the INF Treaty. The design work on Iskander was begun in December 1988, initially directed by the KBM rocket weaponry designer Sergey Nepobedimy, and was not significantly affected by the dissolution of the USSR in 1991.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vpk-news.ru/articles/19095|title=Великий воин и защитник "Искандер"|publisher=VPK|date=10 February 2014|language=ru|access-date=3 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006222505/http://vpk-news.ru/articles/19095|archive-date=6 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="rs190514">{{cite news|url=http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/16112-raketnaya-era-nepobedimogo|title=Ракетная эра Непобедимого|author=Вероника Ушакова|date=19 May 2014|publisher=Krasnaya Zvezda|access-date=14 September 2017|language=ru|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914172921/http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/16112-raketnaya-era-nepobedimogo|archive-date=14 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
The first successful launch occurred in 1996.<ref name="expert.ru">{{cite web|url=http://expert.ru/2014/02/11/rossiya-moderniziruet-iskander/|title=Россия модернизирует "Искандер"|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223210035/http://expert.ru/2014/02/11/rossiya-moderniziruet-iskander/|archive-date=23 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
In September 2004, at a meeting with senior defense officials reporting to President Vladimir Putin on the drafting of a defense budget for 2005, the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov spoke about the completion of static tests of a new tactical missile system called the Iskander. He said that the system would go into quantity production in 2005 and toward the end of that year, Russia would have a brigade armed with it.<ref name="IskHist" /> In March 2005, a source in the Russian defence industry told Interfax-AVN the development of new missiles with a range of {{convert|500|–|600|km|nmi mi}}, based on existing Iskander-E tactical missile systems, was a possibility. He said, however, that it "may take up to five or six years".<ref name="IskHist" />
In 2006, serial production of the Iskander-M tactical ballistic missile system was launched, and the system was adopted by the Russian army.<ref name="IskHist" /> The production cost of the missile system was reported in 2014 to have been slashed by a third by cutting the 20% markup applied by the missile manufacturer at each stage of the components supply chain from a cumulative 810% to markup of 21% applied only to the finished product.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vpk.name/news/116068_stoimost_operativnotakticheskogo_raketnogo_kompleksa_iskander_snizhena_prakticheski_na_tret.html?new|title=Стоимость оперативно-тактического ракетного комплекса "Искандер" снижена практически на треть|date=22 August 2014 |access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223203851/http://vpk.name/news/116068_stoimost_operativnotakticheskogo_raketnogo_kompleksa_iskander_snizhena_prakticheski_na_tret.html?new|archive-date=23 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
There was a report by GosNIIP, the design bureau that builds guidance for cruise missiles, that Russia completed state acceptance trials of the "ground-based 9M728/9M729 missiles and their modernized version."{{citation needed|date=June 2025}}
In November 2016, the Russian military announced that the modernization of the Iskander-M system was underway.<ref name="полностью">{{cite news |url=http://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/582ecad39a79475408a038ee |title=Минобороны пообещало полностью оснастить ракетные войска «Искандерами» |trans-title=Ministry of Defense promised to fully equip missile forces with "Iskanders" |language=ru |work=RBC |date=2016-11-18 |access-date=2026-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211081311/http://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/582ecad39a79475408a038ee |archive-date=2017-02-11 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A number of countries were reported to have shown interest in purchasing the export version of Iskander, but such possibility was only announced in early February 2017.<ref name="expert.ru" />
The United States has argued that the 9M728/9M729 (SSC-X-7/SSC-X-8) cruise missiles used by Iskander-K violates the INF Treaty because their estimated range is beyond {{convert|500|km|nmi mi}}.<ref>{{cite web | first1 = Hans M. | last1 = Kristensen | url = https://fas.org/publication/russia-inf/ | title = Russia Declared In Violation Of INF Treaty: New Cruise Missile May Be Deploying | language = en-us | website = Federation of American Scientists | date = 2014-07-30 | access-date = 2024-05-22 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240423102346/https://fas.org/publication/russia-inf/ | archive-date = 2024-04-23 |url-status=live | quote = While public official identification is still pending, news media reports and other information indicate that the violation possibly concerns the Iskander-K weapon system, a modification of the Iskander launcher designed to carry two cruise missiles instead of two SS-26 Iskander-M ballistic missiles. | df = dmy-all }}</ref>
The general director of the company-developer of the system said in April 2024 that the precision of the missile has been improved since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=ru:Разработчик увеличил точность ракет "Искандера-М" | website=РИА Новости | date=2024-04-07 | url=https://ria.ru/20240407/iskander-1938363103.html | language=ru | access-date=2024-04-10 | df = dmy-all}}</ref>
==Design== thumb|Iskander-M launched in 2018. The Iskander-M system is equipped with two solid-propellant single-stage guided missiles, model '''9M723K1'''. The missiles are controlled throughout the entire flight path and fitted with an inseparable warhead.
The missiles can reportedly be re-targeted during flight in the case of engaging mobile targets.{{r|Isk}} Another unique feature of Iskander-M <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kbm.ru/ru/production/otrk/37.html|title=Оперативно-тактический ракетный комплекс "Искандер-Э" - АО Научно-производственная корпорация "КБ Машиностроения"|access-date=8 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927164708/http://www.kbm.ru/ru/production/otrk/37.html|archive-date=27 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> is the optically guided warhead, which can also be controlled by encrypted radio transmission, including such as those from AWACS or UAV.
During boost phase, thrust vector control (TVC) is accomplished by graphite vanes similar in layout to the V-2 and Scud series tactical ballistic missiles. The missile{{Which|date=July 2025}} is reportedly controlled during the whole flight with gas-dynamic and aerodynamic control surfaces, using small fins to reduce its radar signature.<ref name="rbase.new-factoria.ru">{{cite web |title=Оперативно-тактический ракетный комплекс 9К720 'Искандер' - Ракетная техника |url=http://rbase.new-factoria.ru/missile/wobb/iscander/iscander.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419204219/http://rbase.new-factoria.ru/missile/wobb/iscander/iscander.shtml |archive-date=19 April 2009 |access-date=8 October 2016}}</ref> At least some versions{{Which|date=July 2025}} are equipped with decoys in order to aid in penetrating missile defense systems.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newdick |first=Thomas |date=2022-03-15 |title=Russia's Use Of Iskander Ballistic Missiles In Ukraine Exposes Secret Decoy Capability |url=https://www.twz.com/44760/russias-use-of-iskander-ballistic-missiles-in-ukraine-exposes-secret-decoy-capability |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=The War Zone |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=Ismay>{{cite news |last=Ismay |first=John |date=14 March 2022 |title=Russia Deploys a Mystery Munition in Ukraine |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/14/us/russia-ukraine-weapons-decoy.html |work=The New York Times |location=New York City |access-date=15 March 2022 |quote=Iskander-M short-range ballistic missiles are releasing a previously unknown decoy designed to evade air-defense systems, an American official said. |archive-date=11 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411140903/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/14/us/russia-ukraine-weapons-decoy.html/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Iskander is a tactical missile system designed to be used in theater level conflicts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/ss-26-iskander/|title=SS-26 (Iskander) – Missile Threat|publisher=CSIS|access-date=3 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104081046/http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/ss-26-iskander/|archive-date=4 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2007, a new missile for the system (and launcher) was test fired, the {{Interlanguage link|R-500 (missile)|lt=R-500|2=ru|3=Р-500 (ракета)|preserve=1}} cruise missile,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.russiafile.com/Iskander.htm |title=Iskander Missile System |website=Russiafile.com |date=2008-11-18 |access-date=2008-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006074752/http://www.russiafile.com/Iskander.htm |archive-date=2014-10-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref> with a range of applications up to 2000 km or more.<ref name="rnns.ru">{{cite web|url=http://rnns.ru/14897-udarnaja-sila-raketnaja-pautina.html|title=Ударная Сила: Ракетная паутина (оперативно-тактический ракетный комплекс 9К720 "Искандер" SS-26 "Stone")|website=rnns.ru|date=25 October 2009|access-date=23 December 2014|language=ru|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122080102/http://rnns.ru/14897-udarnaja-sila-raketnaja-pautina.html|archive-date=22 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, the Iskander missile{{Which|date=July 2025}} reportedly gained the capability to strike static sea targets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pravdareport.com/news/russia/economics/03-08-2018/141342-iskander-0/|title=Iskander missile complex can now strike sea targets|date=3 August 2018|access-date=5 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805112806/http://www.pravdareport.com/news/russia/economics/03-08-2018/141342-iskander-0/|archive-date=5 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2020 it was said that the MAZ was the primary supplier for the chassis of the launchers for the Iskander-M because the domestic Russian products are of comparatively low quality.<ref name="efrusi">{{cite news |last1=Ferris |first1=Emily |title=Could Russia's Reliance on Belarus be its Soft Underbelly? |url=https://static.rusi.org/could-russias-reliance-on-belarus-be-its-soft-underbelly.pdf |publisher=The Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies |date=12 January 2023 |access-date=17 January 2023 |archive-date=12 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112105234/https://static.rusi.org/could-russias-reliance-on-belarus-be-its-soft-underbelly.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
The system can be transported by various vehicles, including airplanes.<ref name="dokwar.ru">{{cite web|url=http://dokwar.ru/publ/vooruzhenie/pvo_i_rvsn/raketnyj_kompleks_quot_iskander_quot/16-1-0-82|title=Ракетный комплекс "Искандер"|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503020258/http://dokwar.ru/publ/vooruzhenie/pvo_i_rvsn/raketnyj_kompleks_quot_iskander_quot/16-1-0-82|archive-date=3 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
When nuclear armed, the warhead is estimated to have a yield of {{convert|5|to|50|ktTNT}} (Iskander-M).<ref name="vpk.name">{{cite web|url=http://vpk.name/library/f/9m723.html|title=- 9723|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223211655/http://vpk.name/library/f/9m723.html|archive-date=23 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Variants=== ====Iskander-M==== Variant for the Russian Armed Forces with two '''9M723''' quasi-ballistic missiles with a confirmed range of {{Convert|400|km|mi|abbr=in}}, published range of {{Convert|415|km|mi|abbr=in}}, and rumored range of {{Convert|500|km|mi|abbr=in}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=9K720 Iskander (SS-26 Stone) Russian Short-Range Ballistic Missile |url=https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/WEG/Asset/9K720_Iskander_(SS-26_Stone)_Russian_Surface_to_Surface_Short_Range_Ballistic_Missile |access-date=7 August 2024 |website=ODIN - OE Data Integration Network (army.mil)}}</ref> Speed Mach 6–7, flight altitude up to 6–50 km, nuclear capable missile, controlled at all stages, not ballistic flight path. Immediately after the launch and upon approach to the target, the missile can perform maneuvering to evade anti-ballistic missiles.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://expert.ru/2014/01/27/neulovimyij-raketnyij-mstitel/|title=Почему ОТРК "Искандер" так пугает наших соседей|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229140918/http://expert.ru/2014/01/27/neulovimyij-raketnyij-mstitel/|archive-date=29 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
====Iskander-K==== thumb|Iskander-K 9M728 (SSC-7) R-500 "K" for ''Krylataya'' ("Winged") ({{langx|ru|крылатая ракета}}). Variant intended to carry various types of cruise missiles ({{langx|ru|крылатая ракета}}; literally winged rocket). At present, it includes: * '''9M728 (SSC-7)''' also known as '''R-500<ref name="CSIS" />''' – flight altitude up to 6 km, published range up to 500 km<ref>{{cite web |url=http://army-news.ru/images_stati/sostav_Iskander.jpg |title=Photo |website=army-news.ru |format=PDF |access-date=7 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210042508/http://army-news.ru/images_stati/sostav_Iskander.jpg |archive-date=10 December 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> and automatic adjustment in the way, follow of terrain relief in flight.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> It is reportedly a variant of the 3M-54 Kalibr.'''<ref name="CSIS" />''' * '''9M729 (SSC-8)''' – new long-range missile that is reportedly a land-based version of the 3M14 Kalibr-NK missile complex with a range between {{convert|300-3400|mi}} and may be based even on the air-launched {{convert|5500|km}}-range Kh-101 cruise missile.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/articles/2017/02/14/677664-ssha-rossiya|title=США: Россия получила ракету, нарушающую договор РСМД|newspaper=Ведомости |publisher=Vedomosti|date=14 February 2017|access-date=21 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908203248/https://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/articles/2017/02/14/677664-ssha-rossiya|archive-date=8 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
====Iskander-E==== [[File:President was present at the Military Parade dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s Independence 63.jpg| 420x224px| thumb|right | Iskander-E of the Armenian army during the military parade in Yerevan]] "E" for ''Eksport''. The director of the state corporation Rostec Sergey Chemezov commented that the Iskander missile complex is a serious offensive weapon capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}}
In 2016, Armenia, a Russian ally and a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) became the first foreign country to operate the system. Iskander-E has a maximum range up to 280 km, to comply with Missile Technology Control Regime restrictions for export,<ref name=38north-20190508>{{cite news |url=https://www.38north.org/2019/05/melleman050819/ |title=North Korea's Newest Ballistic Missile: A Preliminary Assessment |last=Elleman |first=Michael |publisher=The Henry L. Stimson Center |work=38 North |date=8 May 2019 |access-date=9 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509051848/https://www.38north.org/2019/05/melleman050819/ |archive-date=9 May 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> and is fitted with a simplified inertial guidance system. It flies on a flattened trajectory under 50 km altitude, allowing aerodynamic steering using tail fins, permitting a less predictable flight path and accurate delivery.<ref name=38north-20190508/> The system can also use missiles carrying warheads with cluster munitions.<ref name=isrbm/>
==Operational history== ===Russia=== thumb|A camouflaged Iskander-M launcher during an exercise in Transbaikalia. June 2021 [[File:A Russian missile lies largely intact in a home in Gori.jpg|thumb|A Russian missile rocket booster stage lies in the bedroom of a home in Gori (2008)]] The first documented use of the Iskander was in the Russo-Georgian War in which Dutch journalist Stan Storimans was killed on 12 August 2008 in Gori. An investigation by the Dutch government revealed that a single, 5 mm fragment from an anti-personnel sub-munition, carried by an Iskander missile, killed the Dutch journalist.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2010/06/02/bijlage-verslag-onderzoeksmissie-storimans-kamerbrief-inzake-het-verslag-van-de-onderzoekscommissie-storimans|title=Bijlage: verslag onderzoeksmissie Storimans – Kamerbrief inzake het verslag van de onderzoekscommissie- Storimans|work=Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813005740/https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2010/06/02/bijlage-verslag-onderzoeksmissie-storimans-kamerbrief-inzake-het-verslag-van-de-onderzoekscommissie-storimans|archive-date=13 August 2017|access-date=12 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In September 2009, the Russian military announced plans to deploy Iskander missiles in all the military districts of Russia "in a short time".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interfax.ru/russia/102653|title="Искандер" здесь, "Искандер" там|date=29 September 2009|access-date=9 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211081446/http://www.interfax.ru/russia/102653|archive-date=11 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dw.com/ru/%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B2%D0%B0-%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B5%D1%82-%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%8C-%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%8B-%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B4%D0%B5%D1%80-%D0%B2-%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BC-%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%BC-%D0%BE%D0%BA%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B3%D0%B5/a-4741439|title=Москва планирует разместить ракеты "Искандер" в каждом военном округе |website=Deutsche Welle |access-date=22 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212034222/https://www.dw.com/ru/%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B2%D0%B0-%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B5%D1%82-%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%8C-%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%8B-%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B4%D0%B5%D1%80-%D0%B2-%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BC-%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%BC-%D0%BE%D0%BA%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B3%D0%B5/a-4741439 |archive-date=12 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
According to the Stratfor report in 2010 there were five Iskander brigades stationed and operational in Russia, namely the 26th Rocket Brigade in the town of Luga, Leningrad Oblast, south of St. Petersburg; 92nd Rocket Brigade at Kamenka, near Penza in the Volga region; 103rd Rocket Brigade at Ulan-Ude, north of Mongolia; 107th Rocket Brigade at {{ill|Semistochni|ru|Семисточный}}, in the Far East;<ref>Note: Other sources now place the brigade at Birobidzhan. {{cite web |url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/army/rbr/23rbr.htm |title=23rd Missile Brigade |website=Soviet Armed Forces 1945-1991: Organisation and order of battle |access-date=2017-08-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814195423/http://www.ww2.dk/new/army/rbr/23rbr.htm |archive-date=2017-08-14 |url-status=dead }} and warfare.ru.</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.stratfor.com/analysis/russian-missiles-natos-border |title=Russian Missiles on NATO's Border |work=Stratfor |date=2010-11-30 |access-date=2017-06-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613083021/https://www.stratfor.com/analysis/russian-missiles-natos-border |archive-date=2017-06-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In June 2013, it was revealed that Russia had deployed several Iskander-M ballistic missile systems in Armenia at undisclosed locations.<ref name="Harutyunyan">{{cite news|last=Harutyunyan|first=Sargis|title=Advanced Russian Missiles 'Deployed In Armenia'|url=http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/25005647.html|access-date=22 June 2013|date=3 June 2013|agency=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622144049/http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/25005647.html|archive-date=22 June 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, it was reported by media that Armenia had received a ''divizion'' of Iskander missiles.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/articles/2016/09/19/657501-iskanderi-doehali-armenii |title=«Искандеры» доехали до Армении |trans-title="Iskanders" have reached Armenia |language=ru |work=Vedomosti |date=2016-09-18 |access-date=2017-01-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129204038/http://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/articles/2016/09/19/657501-iskanderi-doehali-armenii |archive-date=2017-01-29 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In November 2014, US General Breedlove stated that Russian forces "capable of being nuclear" had been moved into Crimea,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russian-forces-capable-of-being-nuclear-moving-to-crimea-nato-chief-says/|title=Russian forces "capable of being nuclear" moving to Crimea, NATO chief says|access-date=17 March 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318054915/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russian-forces-capable-of-being-nuclear-moving-to-crimea-nato-chief-says/|archive-date=18 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> the Ukrainian peninsula which the Russian Federation had annexed in March, and the following month Ukrainian Armed Forces announced that Russia had deployed a nuclear-capable Iskander division in the territory.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mil.gov.ua/news/2014/12/04/mi-dobre-znaemo-pro-nayavnist-rosijskih-kompleksiv-iskander-na-teritorii-timchasovo-okupovanogo-krimu-general-major-oleksandr-rozmaznin/|title="Ми добре знаємо про наявність російських комплексів "Іскандер" на території тимчасово окупованого Криму", — генерал-майор Олександр Розмазнін|work=Міністерство оборони України|access-date=17 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318060307/http://www.mil.gov.ua/news/2014/12/04/mi-dobre-znaemo-pro-nayavnist-rosijskih-kompleksiv-iskander-na-teritorii-timchasovo-okupovanogo-krimu-general-major-oleksandr-rozmaznin/|archive-date=18 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine/ukraine-military-say-russia-deploys-iskander-air-defense-missiles-in-crimea-374075.html|title=Ukraine military say Russia deploys Iskander air defense missiles in Crimea|date=4 December 2014|work=Kyiv Post|access-date=17 March 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529174249/https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine/ukraine-military-say-russia-deploys-iskander-air-defense-missiles-in-crimea-374075.html|archive-date=29 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Russian Foreign Ministry officials declared the right to deploy nuclear weapons in the peninsula, which is generally recognized as part of Ukraine, in December 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-russia-nuclear-crimea-20141215-story.html|title=Russia says it has a right to put nuclear weapons in Crimea|last=Loiko|first=Sergei L.|website=Los Angeles Times|date=15 December 2014|access-date=17 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318120331/http://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-russia-nuclear-crimea-20141215-story.html|archive-date=18 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and June 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/russia-threatens-deploy-nuclear-weapons-crimea-13013|title=Russia Threatens to Deploy Nuclear Weapons in Crimea|last=Keck|first=Zachary|website=The National Interest|date=June 2015|language=en|access-date=17 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318055034/http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/russia-threatens-deploy-nuclear-weapons-crimea-13013|archive-date=18 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
In March 2016, at least one Iskander system was reportedly deployed at Russia's Hmeimim airbase in Syria.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/59182/iskander-missile-launcher-spotted-in-syria|title=Jeremy Binnie, London: "Iskander missile launcher spotted in Syria", IHS Jane's 360, 31 March 2016|access-date=13 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105175033/http://www.janes.com/article/59182/iskander-missile-launcher-spotted-in-syria|archive-date=5 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2017 an Israeli company claimed satellite photography confirmed the Syrian deployment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/report-russias-dangerous-iskander-m-ballistic-missiles-are-18991|title=Report: Russia's Dangerous Iskander-M Ballistic Missiles Are Now in Syria|first=Dave|last=Majumdar|website=The National Interest|date=8 January 2017|access-date=5 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206030612/http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/report-russias-dangerous-iskander-m-ballistic-missiles-are-18991|archive-date=6 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
According to a Fox News report in early February 2017, four Iskander missiles had been fired at opposition targets in the Idlib province in Syria.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/russia-sends-syria-its-largest-missile-delivery-to-date-us-officials-say|title=Russia sends Syria its largest missile delivery to date, US officials say|first=Lucas|last=Tomlinson|date=8 February 2017|work=Fox News|access-date=8 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208211951/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/02/08/russia-sends-syria-its-largest-missile-delivery-to-date-us-officials-say.html|archive-date=8 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
====Russo-Ukrainian war==== During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia launched several Iskander missiles over their border into Ukraine as part of their assault.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2022/1219/133070872/detail.shtml|title=ЦАМТО / / "Ростех" значительно увеличил поставки вооружений в зону спецоперации|website=armstrade.org|access-date=8 April 2023|archive-date=14 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314152133/https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2022/1219/133070872/detail.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref> These missiles demonstrated a previously unknown capability that employed decoys to confuse air defense systems. It is believed this technology was kept a closely guarded secret, and not included on Iskander missiles exported outside of Russia.<ref name="Ismay" /> From 23 April 2022, Russia deployed more units equipped with Iskander-M to the Belgorod Oblast, as close as 60 km from the border of Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web |title=Liveblog: ++ Sofortige Waffenruhe für Mariupol gefordert ++ |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/newsticker/liveblog-ukraine-sonntag-127.html |access-date=24 April 2022 |website=tagesschau.de |language=de |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424113422/https://www.tagesschau.de/newsticker/liveblog-ukraine-sonntag-127.html }}</ref>
In March 2023, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuri Ihnat reported that Ukraine was unable to shoot down Iskander ballistic missiles.{{better source needed|date=June 2025}} However, on 29 May, Ukraine claimed to have destroyed 11 Iskander missiles of both the ballistic and cruise missile variants.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Subramaniam |first1=Tara |last2=Dean |first2=Sarah |last3=Edwards |first3=Christian |last4=Elwazer |first4=Schams |last5=Sangal |first5=Aditi |last6=Hayes |first6=Mike |last7=Chowdhury |first7=Maureen |last8=Hammond |first8=Elise |date=29 May 2023 |title=Ukraine says it downed 11 Iskander missiles launched by Russia in daytime attack |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-05-29-23#h_2bc2f3b78b2554e03d39bb2bbb625121 |access-date=18 July 2023 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162530/https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-05-29-23/h_2bc2f3b78b2554e03d39bb2bbb625121 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 5 March 2024, it was confirmed that a M142 HIMARS was destroyed by an Iskander ballistic missile near Nykanorivka in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast. It was the first time a HIMARS system was destroyed in Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite news|title=After Two Years Of Trying, The Russians Finally Destroyed A Ukrainian HIMARS|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/03/05/after-two-years-of-trying-the-russians-finally-destroyed-a-ukrainian-himars/?sh=3efab28a526b|access-date=11 March 2024|website=Forbes|archive-date=11 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311042646/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/03/05/after-two-years-of-trying-the-russians-finally-destroyed-a-ukrainian-himars/?sh=3efab28a526b|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 9 March 2024, it was confirmed that an Iskander ballistic missile was used to destroy two German-supplied M901 launchers for the MIM-104 Patriot air defence system near Pokrovsk. It was the first time components of a Patriot were destroyed in Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite news|title=A Russian Drone Spotted A Ukrainian Patriot Air-Defense Crew Convoying Near The Front Line. Soon, A Russian Hypersonic Missile Streaked Down|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/03/09/a-russian-drone-spotted-a-ukrainian-patriot-air-defense-crew-convoying-near-the-front-line-soon-a-russian-hypersonic-missile-streaked-down/?sh=7a28222a3514|access-date=10 March 2024|website=Forbes}}</ref>
On 14 March 2024, an Iskander strike destroyed two Ukrainian Mi-8/17 helicopters from the 12th Army Aviation Brigade that were rearming in an open field in Novopavlivka, next to Avdiivka.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/05/13/three-ukrainian-helicopters-landed-near-the-front-line-a-russian-drone-was-watching-and-a-russian-strike-force-was-ready/|title=Three Ukrainian Helicopters Landed Near The Front Line. A Russian Drone Was Watching—And A Russian Strike Force Was Ready.|date=13 May 2024|work=Forbes|quote="On or just before March 13, a Russian drone spotted a trio of Mil Mi-8 or Mil Mi-17 assault helicopters from the Ukrainian army’s 12th Army Aviation Brigade rearming in a field in Novopavlivka, 35 miles west of the front line outside the ruins of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine...An Iskander rocket streaked in, destroying two of the helicopters and killing at least two aviators. Two months later, it happened again—and in roughly the same area. Novopavlivka is 40 miles east of Pavlohrad."}}</ref>
In early July 2024, Russian forces launched a wave of attacks using Iskander missiles at Ukrainian airbases, after first using drones for aerial reconnaissance: * on 1 July, an attack on Myrhorod Air Base resulted in the destruction of at least two Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jets<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/ukraine-fighter-jets-myrhorod-air-base-poltava-russia-video-1919939|title=Multiple Ukraine Fighter Jets Destroyed in Strike on Airfield: Moscow|website=Newsweek|date=2 July 2024}}</ref> * on 2 July, an attack on Poltava Air Base resulted in a Mi-24 gunship helicopter being severely damaged<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/07/02/for-the-second-day-in-a-row-russian-drones-and-rockets-struck-a-ukrainian-airfield-hitting-priceless-aircraft/|title=For The Second Day In A Row, Russian Drones And Rockets Struck A Ukrainian Airfield, Hitting Priceless Aircraft|website=Forbes|date=2 July 2024}}</ref> * on 3 July, an attack on Krivoi Rog Air Base resulted in the destruction of a Mikoyan MiG-29 fighter jet and a decoy Sukhoi Su-25 attack jet<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/07/03/for-a-third-day-in-a-row-russian-drones-and-rockets-struck-a-ukrainian-airfield-hitting-priceless-aircraft/|title=For The Third Day In A Row, Russian Rockets Struck A Ukrainian Airfield, Hitting Priceless Aircraft|website=Forbes|date=3 July 2024}}</ref>
On 22 November 2024, another MiG-29 was destroyed in Aviatorskoe-Dnipro air base by an Iskander missiles attack guided by a Russian drone.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/11/24/a-russian-drone-flew-unimpeded-over-a-ukrainian-air-base-leisurely-selecting-a-mig-29-for-a-ballistic-missile-to-destroy/|title=A Russian Drone Flew Unimpeded Over A Ukrainian Air Base, Leisurely Selecting A MiG-29 For A Ballistic Missile To Destroy|date=24 November 2024|work=Forbes}}</ref>
On 23 February 2025, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that it has hit over 1,400 targets with the Iskander system during the war.<ref>{{cite web | title=Ρωσικό ΥΠΑΜ: "Καταστρέψαμε 1.400 στόχους υψηλής αξίας με τους Iskander-M" | website=Pronews.gr | date=2025-02-23 | url=https://www.pronews.gr/amyna-asfaleia/pyraylika-systimata/rosiko-ypam-katastrepsame-1-400-stoxous-ypsilis-aksias-me-tous-iskander-m/ | language=el | ref={{sfnref|Pronews.gr|2025}} | access-date=2025-03-02}}</ref>
On 1 March 2025, Russian forces attacked a Ukrainian military training site in Cherkaske, leaving scores of Ukrainian soldiers killed and wounded.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/3/3/russia-ukraine-war-live-we-need-peace-not-endless-war-says-zelenskyy|title=Russia-Ukraine war live: Trump slams Zelenskyy's comment on length of war Casualties confirmed in Russian strike on Ukraine training centre|work=Aljazeera|date=3 March 2025|language=English}}</ref>
On 5 June 2025, Ukrainian military claimed that their missiles struck a base in the city of Klintsy Bryansk Oblast, destroying one Iskander missile launcher and damaged two more.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Ukraine strikes Russian missile base in Bryansk Oblast, damages Iskander launchers, Ukrainian military says |url= https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-russian-missile-base-in-bryansk-oblast-damages-iskander-launchers-ukrainian-military-says/|date= 5 June 2025 |access-date=2025-06-06 |publisher=The Kyiv Independent |author= TIM ZADOROZHNYY |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title= ВСУ заявили о поражении "Искандера" в Брянской области |url= https://www.dw.com/ru/vsu-zaavili-o-porazenii-raketnogo-kompleksa-iskander-v-branskoj-oblasti/a-72804301|date= 5 June 2025 |access-date=2025-06-06 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |language=ru}}</ref>
According to a report by the US Defense Intelligence Agency, Russia upgraded 9K720 Iskander and Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles with a terminal phase maneuvering capability in spring 2025 in order to bypass Ukraine's Patriot systems.<ref>{{cite web | title=FT: Russia modernized Iskander and Kinzhal missiles to outsmart Patriot defenses | website=RBC-Ukraine | date=2025-10-02 | url=https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/ft-russia-modernized-iskander-and-kinzhal-1759392427.html | ref={{sfnref|RBC-Ukraine|2025}} | access-date=2025-10-14}}</ref> A ''Financial Times'' article from October 2025 said, citing current and former Ukrainian and Western officials, that interception rates dropped from 37% in August to 6% in September, allowing Russia to seriously damage key military sites, four drone plants, and critical infrastructure ahead of the winter.<ref>{{cite web | title=Russian missile upgrade outpaces Ukraine’s Patriot defences | website=ft.com | date=2025-10-02 | url=https://www.ft.com/content/078b8e70-a58c-47cc-b573-598850dd5685 | ref={{sfnref|Home|2025}} | access-date=2025-10-14}}</ref>
According to the French Army, Ukrainian SAMP/T air defence systems have outperformed Patriot missiles in intercepting Iskander missile, after Russia modified the flight profiles of Iskanders.<ref>{{Cite web |author= CYRIL BARABALTCHOUK|date=2024-12-23|title= Ukraine to Be First in World to Receive French-Italian New SAMP/T NG Missile Defense Shield |url=https://united24media.com/latest-news/ukraine-to-be-first-in-world-to-receive-french-italian-new-sampt-ng-missile-defense-shield-14481 |access-date=2025-12-23|website= united24media}}</ref>
On 14 March 2026, Ukrainian drones destroyed an Iskander ballistic missile launcher close to the village of Vyshneve in Crimea. <ref>{{Cite web|title= Russian Iskander systems destroyed by Ukraine's forces ahead of missile attack (video) |author= DARIIA YANKOVSKA |date=2026-03-14 |url=https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/russian-iskanders-destroyed-by-ukrainian-1773500053.html |website=RBC News Ukraine |access-date=2026-03-15}}</ref>
====Kaliningrad region==== In November 2008, the Russian president Dmitry Medvedev in his first annual address to the Federal Assembly of Russia announced plans to deploy Iskander missiles to the Kaliningrad Oblast, Russia's westernmost territory on the south-eastern coast of the Baltic Sea, if the U.S. went ahead with its European Ballistic Missile Defense System.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/the-kaliningrad-missile-crisis|title=The Kaliningrad Missile Crisis|first=Neil|last=Leslie|date=13 November 2008|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129084409/http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/the-kaliningrad-missile-crisis|archive-date=29 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.china.org.cn/international/photos/2008-11/06/content_16718295.htm|title=Russia to deploy missiles in Kaliningrad to counter US threat|date=6 November 2008|publisher=Xinhua News Agency|access-date=2 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715073222/http://www.china.org.cn/international/photos/2008-11/06/content_16718295.htm|archive-date=15 July 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> On 17 September 2009, US president Barack Obama announced the cancellation of the U.S. missile defense project in Poland and the Czech Republic.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/obama-cancels-missile-defence-and-changes-transatlantic-politics/article1292073/ |location=Toronto |work=The Globe and Mail |title=Obama cancels missile defense and changes transatlantic politics |date=25 September 2009 |access-date=23 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503115849/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/obama-cancels-missile-defence-and-changes-transatlantic-politics/article1292073/ |archive-date=3 May 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> The following day, Moscow indicated it might in turn cancel the plans to deploy Iskander missiles to Kaliningrad;<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.vz.ru/politics/2009/9/18/328801.print.html |title=«Искандеры» подождут |trans-title="Iskanders" will wait |language=ru |work=VZ.ru |date=2009-09-18 |access-date=2017-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203075159/http://www.vz.ru/politics/2009/9/18/328801.print.html |archive-date=2017-02-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref> a few days later, the decision not to deploy was confirmed by Medvedev.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20090926/186483795.html |title=Медведев решил не размещать "Искандеры" в Калининградской области |trans-title=Medvedev decided not to deploy "Iskanders" in the Kaliningrad region |language=ru |work=RIA Novosti |date=2009-09-26 |access-date=2017-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203080313/https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20090926/186483795.html |archive-date=2017-02-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
According to Russian unofficial media reports, Russia deployed Iskander missiles to the Kaliningrad Oblast as part of military exercises in March 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-poland-usa-missiles-idUKKBN0MH0N620150321|title=Poland and U.S. Army hold joint air defence exercises near Warsaw|work=Reuters|access-date=8 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203233900/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/03/21/uk-poland-usa-missiles-idUKKBN0MH0N620150321|archive-date=3 December 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 8 October 2016, the Russian military confirmed that they had moved Iskander-M missiles into the Kaliningrad Oblast, adding the move was part of routine drills and had happened previously multiple times and would happen in future.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-usa-missiles-confirm-idUSKCN1280IV|title=Russia moves nuclear-capable missiles into Kaliningrad|date=8 October 2016|newspaper=Reuters|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702172206/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-usa-missiles-confirm-idUSKCN1280IV|archive-date=2 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
In early February 2018, Shamanov confirmed that Russia had deployed an unidentified number of Iskander missiles to the Kaliningrad region.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-nato-missiles/russia-deploys-iskander-nuclear-capable-missiles-to-kaliningrad-ria-idUSKBN1FP21Y |title=Russia deploys Iskander nuclear-capable missiles to Kaliningrad: RIA |work=Reuters |date=2018-02-05 |access-date=2018-02-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205220714/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-nato-missiles/russia-deploys-iskander-nuclear-capable-missiles-to-kaliningrad-ria-idUSKBN1FP21Y |archive-date=2018-02-05 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20180205/1514006010.html |title=В ГД подтвердили, что комплексы "Искандер" разместили под Калининградом |trans-title=State Duma confirmed that "Iskander" systems were deployed near Kaliningrad |language=ru |work=RIA Novosti |date=2018-02-05 |access-date=2018-02-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205194731/https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20180205/1514006010.html |archive-date=2018-02-05 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Days prior, the local military commanders said that the "park zones" for Iskander missiles deployment had been completed in the Kaliningrad region, as well as in North Ossetia.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20180131/1513691588.html |title=В Калининградской области завершили создание зоны под "Искандер-М" |trans-title=In the Kaliningrad region, the creation of a zone for "Iskander-M" was completed |language=ru |work=RIA Novosti |date=2018-01-31 |access-date=2018-02-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206131609/https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20180131/1513691588.html |archive-date=2018-02-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===Armenia=== Armenia reportedly used its Iskander missiles against Azerbaijani forces during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War. According to unconfirmed claims by ex-president of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, the missiles were fired on the town of Shushi after its capture by Azerbaijani forces in the last days of the war.<ref>{{cite web|date=16 February 2021|title=Serzh Sargsyan: Armenia Fired Iskander Missiles at Shushi|url=https://armenian.usc.edu/serzh-sargsyan-armenia-fired-iskander-missiles-at-shushi/|access-date=24 February 2021|website=USC Institute of Armenian Studies|language=en-US|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301110509/https://armenian.usc.edu/serzh-sargsyan-armenia-fired-iskander-missiles-at-shushi/|url-status=live}}</ref> Responding to these claims, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan neither confirmed nor denied the claim that an Iskander was fired on Shushi, but implied that the missiles that were launched did not explode or only exploded "by 10 percent."{{better source needed|date=June 2025}} The Armenian prime minister's claims were rejected by a number of Russian lawmakers and military experts as well as by ex-defense minister of Armenia Seyran Ohanyan (under whom the missiles were acquired by Armenia).<ref name=":0">{{cite web|date=24 February 2021|title=Iskander tactical missile systems were not used in Karabakh, say experts|url=https://tass.com/politics/1259863|access-date=24 February 2021|website=TASS|archive-date=24 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224155018/https://tass.com/politics/1259863|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Babayan|first1=Aza|last2=Bedevian|first2=Astghik|date=24 February 2021|title=Armenian PM Accused Of Lying About Russian Missiles|url=https://www.azatutyun.am/a/31119804.html|access-date=24 February 2021|newspaper=«Ազատ Եվրոպա/Ազատություն» Ռադիոկայան|language=en|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225010927/https://www.azatutyun.am/a/31119804.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Russian Ministry of Defence released a statement claiming that the Iskander missiles were not used at all during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War.{{better source needed|date=June 2025}} Another claim was made by an anonymous Azerbaijani official that Armenian forces fired an Iskander missile at Azerbaijan's capital Baku in the last days of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War, but it was shot down by an Israeli-made Barak 8.<ref>{{cite web|last=Soylu|first=Ragip|date=1 March 2021|title=Israeli defence system shot down Russian missile Armenia fired at Baku|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/azerbaijan-armenia-israel-russia-missile-fired-shot-down|access-date=2 March 2021|website=Middle East Eye|language=en|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301143739/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/azerbaijan-armenia-israel-russia-missile-fired-shot-down|url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 March, employees of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action, who were demining and clearing the territories from mines and shells in Shushi, discovered the wreckage of an Iskander-M missile with identification number 9M723.<ref>{{cite web|title=Кто выстрелил из "Искандера" по Шуше? - первые версии|url=https://haqqin.az/news/205746|access-date=31 March 2021|website=haqqin.az|date=31 March 2021|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331135031/https://haqqin.az/news/205746|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=ISKANDER JE IPAK KORIŠĆEN U KARABAHU? Azeri pokazali dokaz, čeka se odgovor Jerevana (FOTO)|url=https://www.srbijadanas.com/vesti/svet/nagorno-karabah-jermenija-azerbejdzan-rusija-iskander-naoruzanje-sukob-rat-2021-03-31|access-date=31 March 2021|website=www.srbijadanas.com|date=31 March 2021|language=sh|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401145907/https://www.srbijadanas.com/vesti/svet/nagorno-karabah-jermenija-azerbejdzan-rusija-iskander-naoruzanje-sukob-rat-2021-03-31|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=ANAMA: В Шушу была сброшена ракета "Искандер-М"|url=https://report.az/ru/karabakh/anama-v-shushu-byla-sbroshena-raketa-iskander-m/|access-date=2 April 2021|website=Информационное Агентство Репорт|date=2 April 2021|language=ru|archive-date=3 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403121813/https://report.az/ru/karabakh/anama-v-shushu-byla-sbroshena-raketa-iskander-m/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=1 April 2021|title=Şuşaya atılan "İskəndər"dən Ermənistanda yoxdur — Bəs kim edib?|url=https://qafqazinfo.az/news/detail/susaya-atilan-iskenderden-ermenistanda-yoxdur-bes-kim-edib-319058|access-date=2 April 2021|website=Qafqazinfo|language=az|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401084536/https://qafqazinfo.az/news/detail/susaya-atilan-iskenderden-ermenistanda-yoxdur-bes-kim-edib-319058|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Operators== thumb|Russian Iskander systems of the 119th Missile Brigade thumb|Map with users of the 9K720 Iskander in blue * * {{ARM}} – 25 units.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} Several systems were displayed at the Independence Day parade rehearsal in September 2016. Two managers of the Russian military-industrial complex Rosoboronexport confirmed that four 9K720 Iskander systems were delivered to Armenia per CSTO arms agreement, thus making Armenia, a country in military union with Russia, the first foreign state to have the missile system.<ref>{{cite news|title=СМИ: Армения получила российские комплексы "Искандер-М"|url=https://vz.ru/news/2016/9/16/832988.html|work=Vzglyad|date=16 September 2016|language=ru|access-date=19 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919140406/http://www.vz.ru/news/2016/9/16/832988.html|archive-date=19 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/221119/|title=Vedomosti: Russia shipped four Iskander missile systems to Armenia|access-date=19 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818085922/http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/221119/|archive-date=18 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2017, the Defence minister of Armenia told a Russian mass media outlet that the Iskander missiles stationed in Armenia and shown at the military parade in September 2016 were owned and operated by the Armed Forces of Armenia.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://ria.ru/interview/20170222/1488534644.html |title=Виген Саркисяn: "Искандеры" принадлежат Армении, управляем ими мы |trans-title=Vigen Sargsyan: "Iskanders" belong to Armenia, we control them |language=ru |work=RIA Novosti |date=2017-02-22 |access-date=2018-02-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205124530/https://ria.ru/interview/20170222/1488534644.html |archive-date=2018-02-05 |url-status=dead }}</ref> * {{flag|Algeria}} – Four regiments (48 launchers). During the Dubai Airshow 2017 exhibition, representatives of the Federal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation officially confirmed that the Iskander-E missile system was delivered to one of the countries in the Middle East and North Africa region.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20171115/1508832294.html |title=Россия поставила ОТРК "Искандер-Э" в одну из стран Северной Африки |publisher=RIA Novosti |date=15 November 2017 |access-date=17 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116132538/https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20171115/1508832294.html |archive-date=16 November 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Binnie|first1=Jeremy|title=Russian official says MENA country has Iskander-E missiles|url=http://www.janes.com/article/75755/|website=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171118114011/http://www.janes.com/article/75755/russian-official-says-mena-country-has-iskander-e-missiles|archive-date=18 November 2017|date=16 November 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> French defense writer Philippe Langloit wrote in the September–October 2017 issue of ''DSI'' magazine that Algeria had received 4 Iskander-E regiments.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Langloit |first=Philippe |date=22 November 2017 |title=Les Forces Armées Algériennes |url=http://www.areion24.news/produit/dsi-n-131/ |magazine=DSI Magazine |location=France |publisher=Centre d'analyse et de prévision des risques internationaux |pages=56–57 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201045013/http://www.areion24.news/produit/dsi-n-131/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was confirmed by Kommersant magazine.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3566087|title=Российское оружие удержало свое место|date=3 May 2018|work=Газета "Коммерсантъ"|access-date=6 March 2018|page=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206085011/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3566087|archive-date=6 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> * {{BLR}} – bought an undisclosed number of Iskander ballistic missile systems in May 2022, according to a statement by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} President Putin has announced a plan to give Belarus nuclear capable Iskander missiles. He said: "can fire ballistic and cruise missiles, both conventional and nuclear types".<ref>{{cite web |date=25 June 2022 |title=Russia promises Belarus Iskander-M nuclear-capable missiles |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61938111 |publisher=BBC |access-date=26 June 2022 |archive-date=25 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625235111/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61938111 |url-status=live }}</ref> The systems were delivered in December 2022 and were allegedly handed over to full Belarusian autonomous control in February 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2022/1220/101570883/detail.shtml|title=ЦАМТО / / Александр Лукашенко: в Белоруссии поставлены на боевое дежурство ЗРС С-400 и ОТРК "Искандер"|website=armstrade.org|access-date=8 April 2023|archive-date=23 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523205515/https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2022/1220/101570883/detail.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Belarus says it is now operating Russian Iskander missiles autonomously |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/belarus-says-it-is-now-operating-russian-iskander-missiles-autonomously/ar-AA16Zjvd |access-date=1 February 2023 |website=MSN |language=en-US |archive-date=1 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201180407/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/belarus-says-it-is-now-operating-russian-iskander-missiles-autonomously/ar-AA16Zjvd |url-status=live }}</ref> Systems operated by 465th Missile Brigade.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Белорусские военные получили ракетный комплекс "Искандер" – мониторинговая группа |url=https://zn.ua/war/belorusskie-voennye-poluchili-raketnyj-kompleks-iskander-monitorinhovaja-hruppa.html |access-date=7 May 2023 |website=Зеркало недели {{!}} Дзеркало тижня {{!}} Mirror Weekly |archive-date=7 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507163843/https://zn.ua/war/belorusskie-voennye-poluchili-raketnyj-kompleks-iskander-monitorinhovaja-hruppa.html |url-status=live }}</ref> * {{RUS}} – 160 units (13 rocket brigades with 12 units each, and one unit with 4 units at Kapustin Yar).<ref>{{cite web |title=Комплекс 9К720 Искандер - SS-26 STONE - Структура комплекса и хронология - MilitaryRussia.Ru — отечественная военная техника (после 1945г.) |url=http://militaryrussia.ru/blog/topic-832.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928004524/http://militaryrussia.ru/blog/topic-832.html |archive-date=28 September 2016 |access-date=8 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ЦАМТО / Новости / В войска Южного военного округа поступил второй бригадный комплект ОТРК "Искандер-М" |url=http://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2015/1118/172532235/detail.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112010839/http://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2015/1118/172532235/detail.shtml |archive-date=12 January 2017 |access-date=8 October 2016}}</ref> Roughly 600 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 300 Iskander-K cruise missiles are stockpiled as of June 2025.<ref>{{cite web | title=Institute for the Study of War | website=Institute for the Study of War | date=2025-08-07 | url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-7-2025 | ref={{sfnref|Institute for the Study of War|2025}} | access-date=2025-08-08}}</ref> In service with the Western Military District since 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20101214/161766995.html |title=Western military district gets first Iskander tactical missile system |date=14 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220143348/http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20101214/161766995.html |archive-date=20 December 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20130212/179432505/Russian-Army-Chief-Visits-Missile-Academy.html |title=Russian Army Chief Visits Missile Academy |date=12 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220143927/http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20130212/179432505/Russian-Army-Chief-Visits-Missile-Academy.html |archive-date=20 December 2013}}</ref> Missiles are also deployed in Armenia.<ref name="Harutyunyan" /> Two deliveries in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.arms-expo.ru/049057054050124051051056055051.html |script-title=ru:НПК «КБМ» завершила поставки «Искандер-М» за 2013 год |language=ru |trans-title=KBM NPK finalised Iskander-M deliveries for 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205163308/http://www.arms-expo.ru/049057054050124051051056055051.html |archive-date=5 December 2013}} {{cite web |work=РИА ��овости |url=https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20131114/976887621.html |script-title=ru:Гособоронзаказ на 2013 год по поставкам "Искандер-М" выполнен |trans-title=State Defence Order for 2013 for Iskander-M deliveries fulfilled |language=ru |date=14 November 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115183232/http://ria.ru/defense_safety/20131114/976887621.html |archive-date=15 November 2013}}</ref> Missile units in Krasnodar and Stavropol territories as well as in the Republic of Adygea in the 49th Army of the Southern Military District, and a missile brigade in the Eastern Military District received Iskander-M in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |date=19 December 2013 |script-title=ru:Южный военный округ получил комплексы "Искандер-М" |trans-title=The Southern Military District received Iskander-M systems |url=http://ria.ru/defense_safety/20131219/985060165.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129050156/http://ria.ru/defense_safety/20131219/985060165.html |archive-date=29 November 2014 |access-date=23 December 2014 |work=РИА Новости}}</ref> One more delivery in July 2014.<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ru:НПК "КБМ" передала Минобороны третий комплект ОТРК "Искандер-М" для оснащения ракетной бригады |trans-title=KBM Research and Development Company handed over to the Defence Ministry the third set of Iskander-M missile defence systems to equip a missile brigade |url=http://www.kbm.ru/ru/press-centre/420.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129083220/http://www.kbm.ru/ru/press-centre/420.html |archive-date=29 November 2014 |access-date=23 December 2014}}</ref> A missile brigade, stationed in the Orenburg region, rearmed on "Iskander-M" on 20 November 2014.<ref>{{cite web |date=20 November 2014 |script-title=ru:Ракетная бригада ЦВО перевооружена на новейшие оперативно-тактические ракетные комплексы "Искандер-М" |trans-title=Central Military District missile brigade rearmed with the latest Iskander-M operational-tactical missile systems |url=http://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2014/1120/134026698/detail.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129051954/http://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2014/1120/134026698/detail.shtml |archive-date=29 November 2014 |access-date=23 December 2014}}</ref> 6th brigade delivered on 16 June 2015 to unit in Ulan Ude{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} (presumably the 103rd Rocket Brigade). Seventh brigade delivered in November 2015 to the Southern Military District.<ref>{{cite web |title=ЦАМТО / Новости / АО "НПК «КБМ" сдало Минобороны РФ шестой бригадный комплект ОТРК "Искандер-М" |url=http://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2015/1118/120032221/detail.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170111155303/http://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2015/1118/120032221/detail.shtml |archive-date=11 January 2017 |access-date=8 October 2016}}</ref> All scheduled 120 complexes.<ref>{{cite web |title="Искандер" научили взрывать метро по фотографии |url=http://www.arms-expo.ru/news/archive/iskander-nauchili-vzryvat-metro-po-fotografii-14-11-2011-16-44-00/?sphrase_id=2017576 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129225630/http://www.arms-expo.ru/news/archive/iskander-nauchili-vzryvat-metro-po-fotografii-14-11-2011-16-44-00/?sphrase_id=2017576 |archive-date=29 November 2014 |access-date=23 December 2014}}</ref> 20th Separate Guards Rocket Brigade – 5th Red Banner Army of the Eastern Military District (the brigade stationed in Spassk-Dalniy, Primorsky Krai) – in June 2016.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} One more delivery in November 2016 to the Central MD.<ref>{{cite web |title=Министр обороны подтвердил передачу "Искандеров" 41-й армии ЦВО - Еженедельник "Военно-промышленный курьер" |url=http://vpk-news.ru/news/34004 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201014423/http://vpk-news.ru/news/34004 |archive-date=1 December 2016 |access-date=30 November 2016 |website=vpk-news.ru}}</ref> Next delivery conducted in 2nd quarter of 2017.{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} The contract for two more brigades and cruise missiles for the system signed in August 2017 will increase the total number of rocket brigades to 13.<ref>{{cite web |date=24 August 2017 |title=Russian Defence Ministry to receive two brigade sets of the Iskander-M tactic missile complexes : Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation |url=http://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12139612@egNews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830154009/http://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12139612@egNews |archive-date=30 August 2017 |access-date=30 November 2017 |publisher=Eng.mil.ru}}</ref> The last brigade was delivered to the WMD for a missile formation of the combined arms army in the Kursk Region in November 2019.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Пескова |first1=Валентина |date=25 November 2019 |title=В российской армии завершили перевооружение на "Искандеры" |work=Телеканал «Звезда» |url=https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/20191125355-TX9JV.html |access-date=30 November 2019 |archive-date=27 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127233033/https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/20191125355-TX9JV.html |url-status=live }}</ref> One more brigade set and two battalion sets were delivered in late 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Товарищ Министр обороны Российской Федерации, уважаемые товарищи! |url=https://function.mil.ru/files/morf/Doklad_Krivoruchko_EDP_2022.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120192631/https://function.mil.ru/files/morf/Doklad_Krivoruchko_EDP_2022.pdf |archive-date=20 January 2022 |access-date=8 May 2022 |website=function.mil.ru |language=Russian}}</ref> More missiles ordered in August 2022 and again in August 2023 and in August 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=ЦАМТО / Главное / На форуме «Армия-2022» подписаны 7 и вручены 29 госконтрактов с 26 предприятиями ОПК |url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/mainnews/2022/0817/084269022/detail.shtml |access-date=26 August 2022 |publisher=Armstrade.org |archive-date=22 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822120727/https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/mainnews/2022/0817/084269022/detail.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Семенова | first=Елена | title=МО на форуме «Армия-2024» заключило контракт на поставку ракет для «Искандеров» | website=РИАМО | date=2024-08-13 | url=https://riamo.ru/news/obschestvo/mo-na-forume-armija-2024-zakljuchilo-kontrakt-na-postavku-raket-dlja-iskanderov/ | language=ru | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref> According to classified documents, the Russian Defense Ministry ordered 303 9M728 cruise missiles by at least two orders in 2024-2025. A batch of 95 modernized 9M729 missiles with a range of over 2,000 km and requiring an upgraded Iskander-M1 launcher was first ordered for the Russian Army in 2025. An order for 1202 9M723 ballistic missiles in 2024-2025 has been placed (589 missiles were ordered in 2024 and 643 in 2025). The missiles are equipped with cluster or high-explosive warheads. Finally, 18 9M723-2 missiles maybe related to the Iskander-1000 long-range missile project were ordered in 2025.<ref>{{cite web | title=From Kalibr to Kinzhal: How Much Do Russian Missiles Really Cost? | website=Militarnyi | date=2025-10-23 | url=https://militarnyi.com/en/articles/from-kalibr-to-kinzhal-how-much-do-russian-missiles-really-cost/ | language=en | ref={{sfnref|Militarnyi|2025}} | access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref>
==Details== ===Specifications=== thumb|right|An Iskander transporter-erector-launcher thumb|right|9T250-1 Transporter and loader vehicle
* Manufacturer: Votkinsk Machine Building Plant (Votkinsk) – missiles<br />Production Association Barricades (Volgograd) – ground equipment<br />KBM (Kolomna) – developer of the system * Launch range: ** minimum: 50 km<ref name="prom" /> * Accuracy: ** 5–7 m with terminal phase DSMAC optoelectronic homing system (Iskander-M)<ref name="prom" /> ** 1–30 m 9K720<ref name="dokwar.ru" /><ref name="vpk.name" /> * Time to launch: up to 4 min from highest readiness, up to 16 min from march<ref name="prom" /> * Interval between launches: less than a minute<ref name="prom" /> * Operating temperature range: −50 °C to +50 °C<ref name="prom" /> * Burnout velocity: ≈2,100 m/s * Number of missiles: ** on '''9P78''' launcher: 2 ** on '''9T250''' transloader: 2 * assigned service life: 10 years * Crew: 3 (launcher truck)
===System components=== [[File:Iskander tochka.jpg|thumb|right|Iskander missiles (right) and an OTR-21 Tochka missile (extreme left) on static display]]
The full Iskander system includes<ref name="prom">promotional CD of KBM</ref> * missiles * transporter-erector-launcher vehicle (chassis of 8×8 MZKT-79306 ASTROLOG truck)<ref name=isrbm>{{Cite web|url=http://www.military-today.com/missiles/iskander.htm|access-date=21 November 2017|title=Iskander (SS-26 Stone) Short-range ballistic missile|date=31 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171124221843/http://www.military-today.com/missiles/iskander.htm|archive-date=24 November 2017|url-status=usurped}}</ref> * Transporter and loader vehicle (chassis of 8×8 MZKT-79306 ASTROLOG truck) * Command and staff vehicle (chassis of KAMAZ six-wheel truck) * Information preparation station vehicle (chassis of KAMAZ six-wheel truck) * Maintenance and repair vehicle (chassis of KAMAZ six-wheel truck) * Life support vehicle (chassis of KAMAZ six-wheel truck) * Depot equipment set * set of equipment for TEL training class * set of equipment for CSV training class * Training posters * Training missile mock-up
===Intended targets=== The system is intended to use conventional warheads for the engagement of point and area targets, including:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://army.lv/ru/9k720/2663/505#info|title=9К720 "Искандер" - оперативно-тактический ракетный комплекс|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223201045/http://army.lv/ru/9k720/2663/505#info|archive-date=23 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> * hostile fire weapons (missile systems, multiple launch rocket systems, long-range artillery pieces) * air and missile defense weapons, aerodrome * fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft at airfields * command posts and communications nodes * troops in concentration areas * critical civilian infrastructure facilities It is also capable of striking strongly protected targets, such as bunkers or hardened aircraft shelters<ref name="rbase.new-factoria.ru" />
==Gallery== <gallery mode="packed"> File:Iskander-K_TEL_Army-2022.jpg|Russian Armed Forces Iskander-K TEL 9P78-1 raising two containers for 9M728 missiles File:Кадры работы расчетов ОТРК «Искандер» 003.png|Launch during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine File:Кадры работы расчетов ОТРК «Искандер» 002.png|With "V" marking for use in Ukraine File:9K720 Iskander (SS-26 Stone) (41253217174).jpg|Rehearsal for 2018 Victory Day parade in Moscow File:Alabino220415part1-42.jpg|9P78-1 TEL for Iskander-M system File:Iskander demo Army-2016.jpg|A 9P78-1 launcher in foreground and a 9T250 transloader in the background </gallery>
==See also== {{div col|colwidth=25em}} * {{lwc|OTR-23 Oka}} * {{lwc|Pralay (missile)|Pralay}} * {{lwc|Zolfaghar (missile)}} * {{lwc|Persian Gulf (missile)}} * {{lwc|B-611}} * {{lwc|DF-11}} * {{lwc|Fateh-110}} * {{lwc|MGM-52 Lance}} (retired in 1992) * {{lwc|Pluton (missile)|Pluton}} (retired in 1993) * {{lwc|MGM-140 ATACMS}} * {{lwc|Precision Strike Missile}} * {{lwc|OpFires}} * {{lwc|LORA (missile)|LORA}} * {{lwc|Hwasong-11A}} * {{lwc|Ure (missile)|Ure}} * {{lwc|Bora (missile)|Bora}} * {{lwc|Hrim-2}} * {{lwc|Nightfall (missile)|Nightfall}} {{div col end}}
===Comparable missiles=== * {{lwc|Kh-47M2 Kinzhal}} (air launched, believed to be based on the Iskander) * {{lwc|Hyunmoo|Hyunmoo-2}} (may be based on the Iskander) * {{lwc|Hwasong-11A}}
==Notes== {{reflist|group=note}}
==References== {{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20061017091312/http://www.defense-update.com/products/i/iskander.htm SS-26 Stone @ Defense Update] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090131091220/http://en.rian.ru/img/118288575_free.html Infographics] * [http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/ss-26-iskander/ CSIS Missile Threat – SS-26 (Iskander)]
{{PostWWIISovietAFVS}} {{Russian and Soviet military designation sequences}} {{Russian and Soviet missiles|SSM}} {{USAF/DoD reporting names}}
Category:Ballistic missiles of Russia Category:Theatre ballistic missiles Category:Votkinsk Machine Building Plant products Category:KB Mashinostroyeniya products Category:Modern thermobaric weapons of Russia Category:Nuclear missiles of Russia Category:Post–Cold War weapons of Russia Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2000s