Iskander Ballistic Missile

Manufacturer: Kolomna Machine-building Design Bureau
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System INS / Satellite / Optical
Maximum Speed Supersonic
Launch Compatibility TEL Mobile Launcher
Warhead Technology HE, Cluster, Penetrator, Nuclear-capable

Defense Systems Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	9K720 Iskander
Type / Role	Short-Range Tactical Ballistic Missile
Country of Origin	Russia
Manufacturer	Kolomna Machine-Building Design Bureau
Service Entry / Year Introduced	2006
Operational Status	Active

2. Performance & Range

Range	280–500 km
Speed	Supersonic (Approx. Mach 6–7)
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	High-altitude ballistic trajectory
Accuracy (CEP)	5–10 meters
Warhead Type	HE, Cluster, Penetrator, Nuclear

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	INS / GLONASS / Optical
Targeting Mode	Fire-and-Forget
Launch Platform Compatibility	Ground TEL system
Seeker Type	Electro-Optical Terminal Guidance

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	Approx. 7.2 m
Diameter	0.92 m
Wingspan	N/A (Ballistic missile)
Launch Weight	~3,800 kg
Propulsion	Solid-fuel rocket

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	400–700 kg
Explosive Type	HE, Cluster, Penetrator, Thermobaric
Detonation Mechanism	Impact / Proximity Fuse
Payload Options	Conventional / Nuclear

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Short-range ballistic
Deployment Platform	Ground-based TEL
Target Types	Bases, radars, HQs, logistics hubs
Combat Proven	Yes
Users / Operators	Russia, Belarus (limited), others (varied)

PROS

High mobility with road-mobile TEL launchers
Supersonic speed and terminal maneuver capability
Multiple warhead configurations, including deep-strike options
Advanced guidance with high accuracy
Effective against fortified and air-defense-protected targets

CONS

Limited export availability due to political restrictions
High operational cost and complex logistics
Dependent on satellite guidance for optimal accuracy
Vulnerable during reload and relocation phases
No availability for U.S. or Western operators

9K720 Iskander Tactical Ballistic Missile System

The Iskander tactical ballistic missile system is one of Russia’s most prominent short-range precision-strike weapons, designed to engage high-value military targets with rapid-launch capability and advanced guidance technology. Developed by the Kolomna Machine-Building Design Bureau and introduced in the mid-2000s, the system is intended to penetrate modern air defenses and deliver strategic-level effects on critical infrastructure and command positions.

The Iskander family includes the Iskander-M (Russian service), Iskander-E (export variant), and related derivatives with varying ranges and payload options. The Iskander-M variant is believed to have a range of up to 500 km, while the export version is limited to 280–300 km, complying with international arms restrictions. The missile can travel at supersonic speeds, maneuver in flight, and execute terminal evasive actions designed to complicate interception by modern missile defense systems.

Design & Capabilities

The Iskander system uses solid-fuel propulsion, enabling rapid launch from a mobile transporter-erector-launcher (TEL). Its guidance suite typically combines inertial navigation, GLONASS satellite correction, and an electro-optical terminal seeker, supporting a claimed CEP of 5–7 meters. Warhead configurations include high-explosive, fragmentation, penetrating, cluster, and potentially nuclear payloads depending on user requirements.

Operational Use

9K720 Iskander missiles have been widely deployed within Russian military districts and have seen use in various regional conflicts, underscoring their role in modern deterrence and battlefield shaping. Their mobility, accuracy, and rapid redeployment make them a central element of Russia’s short-range strike doctrine.

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9K720 Iskander Tactical Ballistic Missile System Price in United State

The Iskander system is not available for U.S. procurement or foreign military sales. However, comparable U.S. tactical missile systems, such as ATACMS, range between $1.0–1.5 million per missile, providing context for its estimated cost category.

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