Iskander-M Missiles and Their Impact on Ukraine Defense
In a recent escalation of hostilities, Russia launched upgraded Iskander-M ballistic missiles at Ukraine over the weekend. These missiles present a significant challenge for Ukraine’s air defense systems, including the advanced Patriot system. Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat reported that during this assault on Kyiv, six out of the nine missiles were intercepted. Despite the successful interceptions, the Iskander-Ms employed a radar-decoy system and maneuvered along a semi-ballistic trajectory, complicating their detection and interception.
Ihnat emphasized the complexities involved in intercepting these sophisticated missiles, stating, “It’s complicated (to intercept), but it doesn’t make interception impossible.” He added that efforts are underway to enhance the capabilities of Ukraine’s defense systems in response to these new challenges.
Maneuverable Ballistic Missile
Unlike cruise missiles, which can fly unpredictable paths, ballistic missiles such as the Iskander-M adhere to a trajectory that, while predictable, becomes difficult to intercept due to their speed and maneuverability. Ukrainian Air Force officials have highlighted that the modified versions of Iskander-M have proven particularly adept at executing evasive maneuvers, which further complicates interception efforts.
Ihnat explained, “The main complication is that these missiles don’t follow a straight path — they perform evasive maneuvers.” This unpredictability imposes significant challenges for systems like the Patriot, which rely on algorithms to calculate interception points. As a result, predicting the trajectory of these agile missiles becomes increasingly difficult.
Capabilities of Iskander-M
The Iskander-M is a formidable tactical weapon, boasting an operational range between 400 to 500 kilometers (approximately 250 to 310 miles). It can achieve speeds of up to Mach 7, roughly equating to 8,643 kilometers (5,371 miles) per hour, placing it in the hypersonic speed category. This remarkable speed is complemented by its ability to operate at altitudes ranging from 6 to 50 kilometers (4 to 31 miles), making it a significant threat in any conflict.
Equipped with a warhead weighing between 480 to 700 kilograms (1,060 to 1,540 pounds), the Iskander-M’s potential for destruction is considerable. This combination of speed, range, and payload means that the missile poses a serious risk to both military and civilian targets alike, reinforcing the necessity for advanced defensive measures.
