The9K720 Iskander (Russian:«Искандер»;NATO reporting nameSS-26 Stone) is a family of Russian mobileshort-range ballistic missile systems. The basic M model has a range of 500 kilometres (270 nmi; 310 mi). It was intended to replace theOTR-21 Tochka in the Russian military by 2020.
The Iskander has several different conventional warheads, including a cluster munitions warhead, afuel–air explosive enhanced-blast warhead, a high-explosive fragmentation warhead, an earth penetrator forbunker busting and anelectromagnetic pulse device for anti-radar missions. The missile can also carry nuclear warheads.[10][11][12] In September 2017, theKB Mashinostroyeniya (KBM) general designer Valery M. Kashin said that there were at least seven types of missiles (and "perhaps more") for Iskander, including onecruise missile.[better source needed]
In September 2004, at a meeting with senior defense officials reporting toPresidentVladimir Putin on the drafting of a defense budget for 2005, theRussian Defence MinisterSergei 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.[10] In March 2005, a source in the Russian defence industry told Interfax-AVN the development of new missiles with a range of 500–600 kilometres (270–320 nmi; 310–370 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".[10]
In 2006, serial production of the Iskander-M tactical ballistic missile system was launched, and the system was adopted by the Russian army.[10] 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.[16]
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]
In November 2016, the Russian military announced that the modernization of the Iskander-M system was underway.[17] 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.[15]
The United States has argued that the9M728/9M729 (SSC-X-7/SSC-X-8) cruise missiles used by Iskander-K violates theINF Treaty because their estimated range is beyond 500 kilometres (270 nmi; 310 mi).[18]
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 theRussian invasion of Ukraine.[19]
Design
Iskander-M launched in 2018.
The Iskander-M system is equipped with twosolid-propellant single-stageguided missiles, model9M723K1. The missiles are controlled throughout the entire flight path and fitted with an inseparablewarhead. Both missiles in the launch carrier vehicle can be independently targeted in a matter of seconds.[citation needed] The mobility of the Iskander launch platform makes a launch difficult to prevent.
The missiles can reportedly be re-targeted during flight in the case of engaging mobile targets.[11] Another unique feature of Iskander-M[20] is the optically guided warhead, which can also be controlled by encrypted radio transmission, including such as those fromAWACS orUAV. The electro-optical guidance system provides a self-homing capability. The missile's on-board computer receives images of the target, then locks onto the target with its sight and descends towards it at supersonic speed.[citation needed]
During boost phase, thrust vector control (TVC) is accomplished by graphite vanes similar in layout to theV-2 and Scud series tactical ballistic missiles. The missile[which?] is reportedly controlled during the whole flight withgas-dynamic and aerodynamic control surfaces, using small fins to reduce its radar signature.[21] According to some rumors, in flight, the missile follows aquasi-ballistic path, performing evasive maneuvers in the terminal phase of flight.[citation needed] At least some versions[which?] are equipped withdecoys in order to aid inpenetrating missile defense systems.[22][23] The missile never leaves the atmosphere as it follows a relatively flat trajectory.[citation needed]
The Iskander-M travels at ahypersonic speed of 2100–2600 m/s (Mach 6–7) and an altitude of 50 km.[citation needed] The Iskander-M weighs 4,615 kg, carries a warhead of 710–800 kg, has a range of 500 km and achieves acircular error probable (CEP) of 5–7 meters (when coupled with optical homing head); 30–70 m in autonomous application.[citation needed]
Iskander is a tactical missile system designed to be used intheater level conflicts.[24] It is intended to useconventional orthermonuclear weapon warheads for the engagement of small and area targets (both moving and stationary), such as hostile fire weapons, air and anti-missile defenses, command posts and communications nodes and troops in concentration areas, among others.[citation needed]
In 2007, a new missile for the system (and launcher) was test fired, theR-500 [ru] cruise missile,[25] with a range of applications up to 2000 km or more.[26] In 2018, the Iskander missile[which?] reportedly gained the capability to strike static sea targets.[27]
In 2020 it was said that theMAZ was the primary supplier for the chassis of the launchers for theIskander-M because the domestic Russian products are of comparatively low quality.[28]
The system can be transported by various vehicles, includingairplanes.[29]
When nuclear armed, the warhead is estimated to have a yield of 5 to 50 kilotonnes of TNT (21 to 209 TJ) (Iskander-M).[30]
Variants
Iskander-M
Variant for theRussian Armed Forces with two9M723 quasi-ballistic missiles with a confirmed range of 400 km (250 miles), published range of 415 km (258 miles), and rumored range of 500 km (310 miles).[31] 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 evadeanti-ballistic missiles.[32]
Iskander-K
Iskander-K 9M728 (SSC-7) R-500
"K" forKrylataya ("Winged") (Russian:крылатая ракета). Variant intended to carry various types ofcruise missiles (Russian:крылатая ракета; literally winged rocket). At present, it includes:
9M728 (SSC-7) also known asR-500[1] – flight altitude up to 6 km, published range up to 500 km[33] and automatic adjustment in the way,follow of terrain relief in flight.[32] It is reportedly a variant of the3M-54 Kalibr.[1]
9M729 (SSC-8) – new long-range missile that is reportedly a land-based version of the 3M14Kalibr-NK missile complex with a range between 300–3,400 miles (480–5,470 km) and may be based even on the air-launched 5,500 kilometres (3,400 mi)-rangeKh-101 cruise missile.[34] According to RF, its range is only 480 km and its specially developed self-propelled launcher can carry 4 missiles. The 9M729 missile has a higher yield warhead and a new control system for greater accuracy.
Iskander-E
"E" forEksport. The director of the state corporation RostecSergey Chemezov commented that the Iskander missile complex is a serious offensive weapon capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.[citation needed]
In 2016, Armenia, a Russian ally and a member of theCollective 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 withMissile Technology Control Regime restrictions for export,[35] 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.[35] The system can also use missiles carrying warheads withcluster munitions.[36]
Operational history
Russia
A camouflaged Iskander-M launcher during an exercise in Transbaikalia. June 2021A Russian missile rocket booster stage lies in the bedroom of a home inGori (2008)
The first documented use of the Iskander was in theRusso-Georgian War in which Dutch journalistStan Storimans was killed on 12 August 2008 inGori. An investigation by theDutch government revealed that a single, 5 mm fragment from an anti-personnel sub-munition, carried by an Iskander missile, killed the Dutch journalist.[37]
In September 2009, the Russian military announced plans to deploy Iskander missiles in all themilitary districts of Russia "in a short time".[38][39]
In June 2013, it was revealed that Russia had deployed several Iskander-M ballistic missile systems inArmenia at undisclosed locations.[42] In 2016, it was reported by media that Armenia had received adivizion of Iskander missiles.[43]
In November 2014, US General Breedlove stated that Russian forces "capable of being nuclear" had been moved into Crimea,[44] the Ukrainian peninsula which the Russian Federationhad annexed in March, and the following month Ukrainian Armed Forces announced that Russia had deployed a nuclear-capable Iskander division in the territory.[45][46] Russian Foreign Ministry officials declared the right to deploy nuclear weapons in the peninsula, which is generallyrecognized as part of Ukraine, in December 2014[47] and June 2015.[48]
In March 2016, at least one Iskander system was reportedly deployed at Russia'sHmeimim airbase inSyria.[49] In January 2017 an Israeli company claimed satellite photography confirmed the Syrian deployment.[50]
According to a Fox News report in early February 2017, four Iskander missiles had been fired at opposition targets in theIdlib province in Syria.[51]
Russo-Ukrainian war
During the2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia launched several Iskander missiles over their border into Ukraine as part of their assault.[52] 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.[23] From 23 April 2022, Russia deployed more units equipped with Iskander-M to theBelgorod Oblast, as close as 60 km from the border of Ukraine.[53]
In March 2023,Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuri Ihnat reported that Ukraine was unable to shoot down Iskander ballistic missiles.[better source needed] However, on 29 May, Ukraine claimed to have destroyed 11 Iskander missiles of both the ballistic and cruise missile variants.[54]
On 5 March 2024, it was confirmed that aM142 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.[55]
On 9 March 2024, it was confirmed that an Iskander ballistic missile was used to destroy two German-supplied M901 launchers for theMIM-104 Patriot air defence system nearPokrovsk. It was the first time components of a Patriot were destroyed in Ukraine.[56]
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.[57]
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 22 November 2024, another MiG-29 was destroyed in Aviatorskoe-Dnipro air base by an Iskander missiles attack guided by a Russian drone.[61]
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.[62]
On 1 March 2025, Russian forces attacked a Ukrainian militarytraining site in Cherkaske, leaving scores of Ukrainian soldiers killed and wounded.[63]
On 5 June 2025, Ukrainian military claimed that their missiles struck a base in the city ofKlintsy Bryansk Oblast, destroying one Iskander missile launcher and damaged two more.[64][65]
According to a report by the USDefense Intelligence Agency, Russia upgraded 9K720 Iskander andKh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles with a terminal phase maneuvering capability in spring 2025 in order to bypass Ukraine's Patriot systems.[66] AFinancial 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.[67]
Kaliningrad region
In November 2008, the Russian presidentDmitry Medvedev in his firstannual address to theFederal Assembly of Russia announced plans to deploy Iskander missiles to theKaliningrad Oblast, Russia's westernmost territory on the south-eastern coast of theBaltic Sea, if the U.S. went ahead with itsEuropean Ballistic Missile Defense System.[68][69] On 17 September 2009,US presidentBarack Obama announced the cancellation of the U.S. missile defense project in Poland and the Czech Republic.[70] The following day, Moscow indicated it might in turn cancel the plans to deploy Iskander missiles to Kaliningrad;[71] a few days later, the decision not to deploy was confirmed by Medvedev.[72]
According to Russian unofficial media reports, Russia deployed Iskander missiles to the Kaliningrad Oblast as part of military exercises in March 2015.[73]
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.[74]
In early February 2018, Shamanov confirmed that Russia had deployed an unidentified number of Iskander missiles to the Kaliningrad region.[75][76] 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 inNorth Ossetia.[77]
Armenia
Armenia reportedly used its Iskander missiles against Azerbaijani forces during the2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War. According to unconfirmed claims by ex-president of ArmeniaSerzh Sargsyan, the missiles were fired on the town ofShushi after itscapture by Azerbaijani forces in the last days of the war.[78] Responding to these claims, Prime MinisterNikol 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] 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 ArmeniaSeyran Ohanyan (under whom the missiles were acquired by Armenia).[79][80] The RussianMinistry of Defence released a statement claiming that the Iskander missiles were not used at all during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War.[better source needed] Another claim was made by an anonymousAzerbaijani official that Armenian forces fired an Iskander missile at Azerbaijan's capitalBaku in the last days of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War, but it was shot down by an Israeli-madeBarak 8.[81] 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.[82][83][84][85]
Operators
Russian Iskander systems of the 119th Missile Brigade Iskander of the Armenian army during the military parade in YerevanMap with users of the 9K720 Iskander in blue
Armenia – 25 units.[citation needed] 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 perCSTO arms agreement, thus making Armenia, a country inmilitary union with Russia, the first foreign state to have the missile system.[86][87] In February 2017, theDefence 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 theArmed Forces of Armenia.[88]
Algeria – Four regiments (48 launchers). During the Dubai Airshow 2017 exhibition, representatives of theFederal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation officially confirmed that the Iskander-E missile system was delivered to one of the countries in theMiddle East and North Africa region.[89][90] French defense writer Philippe Langloit wrote in the September–October 2017 issue ofDSI magazine thatAlgeria had received 4 Iskander-E regiments.[91] It was confirmed by Kommersant magazine.[92]
Belarus – bought an undisclosed number of Iskander ballistic missile systems in May 2022, according to a statement by Belarus PresidentAlexander Lukashenko.[citation needed] 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".[93] The systems were delivered in December 2022 and were allegedly handed over to full Belarusian autonomous control in February 2023.[94][95] Systems operated by465th Missile Brigade.[96]
Russia – 160 units (13 rocket brigades with 12 units each, and one unit with 4 units atKapustin Yar).[97][98] Roughly 600 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 300 Iskander-K cruise missiles are stockpiled as of June 2025.[99] In service with the Western Military District since 2010.[100][101] Missiles are also deployed inArmenia.[42] Two deliveries in 2013.[102] 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.[103] One more delivery in July 2014.[104] A missile brigade, stationed in the Orenburg region, rearmed on "Iskander-M" on 20 November 2014.[105] 6th brigade delivered on 16 June 2015 to unit in Ulan Ude[citation needed] (presumably the103rd Rocket Brigade). Seventh brigade delivered in November 2015 to the Southern Military District.[106] All scheduled 120 complexes.[107]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] One more delivery in November 2016 to the Central MD.[108] Next delivery conducted in 2nd quarter of 2017.[citation needed] 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.[109] The last brigade was delivered to the WMD for a missile formation of the combined arms army in the Kursk Region in November 2019.[110] One more brigade set and two battalion sets were delivered in late 2021.[111] More missiles ordered in August 2022 and again in August 2023 and in August 2024.[112][113] 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.[114]
An Iskander transporter-erector-launcher9T250-1 Transporter and loader vehicleIskander missiles (right) and anOTR-21 Tochka missile (extreme left) on static display
^Landa, Volodymyr; Gnenny, Konstantin (27 June 2022).Росія за вихідні випустила по Україні ракет вартістю близько $200 млн. [Over the weekend, Russia launched missiles worth about $200 million over Ukraine.].Forbes (in Ukrainian) (Ukraine ed.).ISSN0015-6914.OCLC6465733.Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved20 May 2024.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. [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.]
^Mashynostroeniya, KB (20 June 2006)."Iskander M/E (SS-21 / SS-26)".Defense Update. No. 2. Archived fromthe original on 7 June 2023. Retrieved21 May 2024.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).
^Kristensen, Hans M. (30 July 2014)."Russia Declared In Violation Of INF Treaty: New Cruise Missile May Be Deploying".Federation of American Scientists.Archived from the original on 23 April 2024. Retrieved22 May 2024.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.
^abIsmay, John (14 March 2022)."Russia Deploys a Mystery Munition in Ukraine".The New York Times. New York City.Archived from the original on 11 April 2022. Retrieved15 March 2022.Iskander-M short-range ballistic missiles are releasing a previously unknown decoy designed to evade air-defense systems, an American official said.
^"Three Ukrainian Helicopters Landed Near The Front Line. A Russian Drone Was Watching—And A Russian Strike Force Was Ready".Forbes. 13 May 2024.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.
^Langloit, Philippe (22 November 2017)."Les Forces Armées Algériennes".DSI Magazine. France: Centre d'analyse et de prévision des risques internationaux. pp. 56–57.Archived from the original on 1 December 2017.
Armenia – 25 units.[citation needed] 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 perCSTO arms agreement, thus making Armenia, a country inmilitary union with Russia, the first foreign state to have the missile system.[86][87] In February 2017, theDefence 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 theArmed Forces of Armenia.[88]
Algeria – Four regiments (48 launchers). During the Dubai Airshow 2017 exhibition, representatives of theFederal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation officially confirmed that the Iskander-E missile system was delivered to one of the countries in theMiddle East and North Africa region.[89][90] French defense writer Philippe Langloit wrote in the September–October 2017 issue ofDSI magazine thatAlgeria had received 4 Iskander-E regiments.[91] It was confirmed by Kommersant magazine.[92]
Belarus – bought an undisclosed number of Iskander ballistic missile systems in May 2022, according to a statement by Belarus PresidentAlexander Lukashenko.[citation needed] 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".[93] The systems were delivered in December 2022 and were allegedly handed over to full Belarusian autonomous control in February 2023.[94][95] Systems operated by465th Missile Brigade.[96]
Russia – 160 units (13 rocket brigades with 12 units each, and one unit with 4 units atKapustin Yar).[97][98] Roughly 600 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 300 Iskander-K cruise missiles are stockpiled as of June 2025.[99] In service with the Western Military District since 2010.[100][101] Missiles are also deployed inArmenia.[42] Two deliveries in 2013.[102] 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.[103] One more delivery in July 2014.[104] A missile brigade, stationed in the Orenburg region, rearmed on "Iskander-M" on 20 November 2014.[105] 6th brigade delivered on 16 June 2015 to unit in Ulan Ude[citation needed] (presumably the103rd Rocket Brigade). Seventh brigade delivered in November 2015 to the Southern Military District.[106] All scheduled 120 complexes.[107]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] One more delivery in November 2016 to the Central MD.[108] Next delivery conducted in 2nd quarter of 2017.[citation needed] 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.[109] The last brigade was delivered to the WMD for a missile formation of the combined arms army in the Kursk Region in November 2019.[110] One more brigade set and two battalion sets were delivered in late 2021.[111] More missiles ordered in August 2022 and again in August 2023 and in August 2024.[112][113] 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.[114]
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