In News
- Recently, Russia has promised its ally Belarus delivery of nuclear- capable missiles named Iskander-M tactical missile systems to take on an “aggressive” West.
What is the Iskander-M missile system?
- About:
- It is codenamed “SS-26 Stone” by NATO.
- It is a term used by Russia to define both the transporter-erector launch system and the short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) it fires.
- The system can also fire ground-launched cruise missiles (GLCMs) – the SSC-7 and the SSC-8.
- It has been exclusively used by the Russian military, whereas Iskander-E is the one meant for export.
- Capability and Range:
- It has a range of 500 km and it can carry a payload of up to 700 kg.
- It is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads.
- The conventional warheads can be equipped with include cluster bombs, electromagnetic pulse (EMP) warheads and bunker-buster munitions.
- The export variant, Iskander-E, has a range of 280 km with a reduced 480 kg payload.
- First Use:
- The Iskander system was inducted by Russia in 2006, its development picked pace in the late 1980s after the “Oka” SRBM or the OTR-23 was banned under the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty.
- The Oka was Russia’s first attempt to replace the Soviet Scud missiles. Iskander was the second.
- Russia first used the Iskander in combat in Georgia in 2008.
- The Iskander system was inducted by Russia in 2006, its development picked pace in the late 1980s after the “Oka” SRBM or the OTR-23 was banned under the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty.
Source:IE
