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The Iskander system developed by KBM in Kolomna would become a "Scud" of the 21st century for the Russian army. A one-stage, short-range, solid-propelled missile was designed for launch from highly mobile four-axis trucks, carrying two rockets each. Army units armed with the Iskander missiles would also include reloading trucks capable of carrying two missiles each, as well as firing control, data-processing and maintenance vehicles. The Iskander missile is equipped with autonomous inertial flight control system and its warhead features optical self-guidance system, which reportedly allows flight controllers to adjust the trajectory of the missile in flight. The rocket can carry conventional explosives, cluster and shrapnel penetrating charges. The capability to carry a nuclear warhead was also reported. In comparison to previous-generation systems, Iskander boasts higher accuracy, increased mobility and shorter pre-launch processing time. (29) Tech specs of the Iskander-E system:
*According to Western sources, the export version of the Iskander missile, designated Iskander-E, has a range of 280 kilometers, while the variant developed exclusively for the Russian army, designated Iskander-M, could fly as far as 400 kilometers. Deployment The Iskander system was adopted into the armaments of the Russian army in 2004 and it was to be deployed during 2005. Western sources also reported that Russia marketed Iskander missiles to Syria and Iran. Ther were reports that during 2006, the production plan in Votkinsk was mass-producing Iskander-M missiles with the goal of delivering 120 vehicles by 2015.
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The Iskander-E missile shown on its mobile launcher. Copyright © 2001 Anatoly Zak
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