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Iskander-M Missile System

Iskander-M Missile System

Iskander-M Tactical Ballistic Missile System

Brand: KBM
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System Inertial + Optical Terminal Guidance
Maximum Speed Mach 6–7
Launch Compatibility Road-mobile TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher)
Warhead Technology HE, Cluster, Thermobaric, Penetration, Nuclear

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	Iskander-M (9K720)
Type / Role	Tactical Ballistic Missile System
Country of Origin	Russia
Manufacturer	KBM / Rostec
Service Entry / Year Introduced	2006
Operational Status	Active

2. Performance & Range

Range	Up to 500 km
Speed	Mach 6–7
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	~50 km
Accuracy (CEP)	5–7 meters
Warhead Type	HE, Cluster, Thermobaric, Nuclear

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	INS + Electro-optical terminal guidance
Targeting Mode	Autonomous / Pre-programmed
Launch Platform Compatibility	Road-mobile TEL
Seeker Type	Optical Correlation Seeker

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	7.3 m
Diameter	0.92 m
Wingspan	N/A
Launch Weight	3,800–4,000 kg
Propulsion	Solid-fuel Rocket

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	480–700 kg
Explosive Type	HE, Cluster, Penetration, Nuclear
Detonation Mechanism	Impact / Proximity Fuse
Payload Options	Conventional / Nuclear

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Short–Medium Range
Deployment Platform	Ground-based, Mobile Launcher
Target Types	Bases, Airfields, Command Centers, Bunkers
Combat Proven	Yes
Users / Operators	Russia

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10

PROS

Highly mobile and quick to deploy
Precision strike capability (5–7 m CEP)
Capable of carrying multiple warhead types
Resistant to electronic countermeasures
Operates effectively in harsh environments

CONS

Limited to 500 km range by treaty constraints
Restricted export availability
High operational and maintenance cost
Detectable during pre-launch preparation
Nuclear capability raises strategic tension

Iskander-M Tactical Ballistic Missile System

The Iskander-M is one of Russia’s most advanced short-range ballistic missile systems, designed to deliver high-precision strikes against critical enemy targets such as command centers, air defenses, and infrastructure. Developed by the Kolomna Machine Design Bureau (KBM) under the Russian State Corporation Rostec, the Iskander-M entered service with the Russian Armed Forces in 2006 as a replacement for the aging SS-21 Tochka system.

The system uses a mobile road-based launcher, providing rapid deployment and high survivability against counterattacks. Each launcher vehicle carries two solid-fuel missiles, which can be fired independently within minutes. The Iskander-M’s missiles boast an operational range of up to 500 km, traveling at speeds up to Mach 6–7, and are capable of maneuvering throughout their flight trajectory to evade missile defenses.

Equipped with an inertial and optical guidance system, the Iskander-M achieves accuracy within 5–7 meters (CEP). Its versatility allows for multiple warhead configurations, including high explosive (HE), cluster, fuel-air explosive, bunker-busting, and nuclear warheads. The system can also deploy decoys and electronic countermeasures to confuse enemy radar and interceptors.

Operationally, the Iskander-M has been used by the Russian Army in numerous exercises and real-world conflicts, showcasing its effectiveness in both conventional and deterrence roles. Designed for rapid shoot-and-scoot operations, it can launch, relocate, and reload within minutes, minimizing exposure to enemy retaliation.

Iskander-M Price in United States

While the Iskander-M is not available for export to the United States, analysts estimate that each missile unit—including launcher and support systems—would cost approximately $30–35 million, depending on configuration and support logistics.

Reviews

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