Why is it in the news?

• Russia recently stated that it utilized the nuclear-capable Iskander-M missile system to strike the Ukrainian military airbase in Mirgorod.

About Iskander-M

• The Iskander (known as SS-26 Stone in Western reporting) is a road-mobile short-range ballistic missile system developed by
• It was introduced into Russian military service in 2006. The system is specifically designed for carrying out tactical strikes on small, high-value land targets.

Key Features:

• The missile measures 7.3 meters in length, 0.92 meters in diameter, and weighs 3,750 kilograms at launch.
• It has a range of 400-500 km and utilizes both inertial and optical guidance systems.
• The missile is capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads weighing up to 700 kg.
• Missiles can travel at speeds of up to seven times the speed of sound (Mach 7) and can reach altitudes exceeding 30 miles.
• The system incorporates a maneuverable re-entry vehicle (MaRV) and decoys to counter theater missile defense systems.
• Equipped with various in-flight correction and self-targeting systems, it enables the missile to evade missile defense mechanisms.
• It includes several variants such as Iskander-E and Iskander-K.