Iskander-M (SS-26)
Russian9K720 Iskander-M / NATO: SS-26 Stone
The Iskander-M (Iskander means "Alexander the Great" in Russian) is Russia's primary ground-launched short-range ballistic missile system. Equipped with quasi-ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, Iskander-M has been used extensively to strike Ukrainian cities, military infrastructure, and civilian sites throughout the war.
Primary Role
Deep tactical and operational strikes against infrastructure, military bases, and cities
First documented use in Ukraine: 2022-02-24
Specifications
| Range (9M723) | 500 km |
| Range (9M728 cruise) | Up to 500 km |
| Warhead | 480–700 kg HE, cluster, or thermobaric |
| Guidance | Active radar + GLONASS + optical |
| CEP | ~5–30 m |
| Speed | Mach 6–7 (terminal) |
✓ Strengths
- •Maneuvering warhead that can evade traditional SAMs
- •Very high terminal velocity (Mach 6–7) — limits intercept window
- •Can carry a variety of warhead types
- •Road-mobile launcher — easy to conceal and relocate
⚠ Limitations
- •Limited range vs Kalibr (500 km)
- •Patriot PAC-3 has demonstrated intercept capability
- •Supply chain constraints reported as stockpiles depleted
Notable Use
Russia used Iskander-M extensively from Day 1, striking Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Vinnytsia, and other cities. The missile's high terminal velocity makes it difficult to intercept — though Patriot systems have shown some capability against it.
Ukraine War Context
Iskander-M missiles have been responsible for some of the deadliest civilian strikes of the war, including the Kremenchuk shopping mall strike (June 2022) and multiple strikes on residential buildings. Ukraine has intercepted Iskander-M missiles using Patriot PAC-3 interceptors.