Iskander

Description: The Iskander, SS-26 NATO-codename, is a short range ballistic missile designed to attack tactical targets deep inside enemy territory. This Tactical Ballistic Missile (TBM) has replaced the Scud missile in Russian, ex-Soviet, artillery units and has been also offered for export. It features a single-stage utilizing solid propellant and a non-separable warhead. The Iskander high precision, highly mobile, long range artillery system consists of a Transporter Erector and Launcher (TEL) vehicle carrying two Iskander TBMs. A loader vehicle and Iskander missiles carrier vehicle are associated to each Iskander battery. Blast/fragmentation, tactical nuclear, electromagnetic pulse, and penetration warheads can be installed in the Iskander missile. The launch sequence of Iskander has been designed to be done in shortened time compared to previous ballistic artillery system such as the Scud. With such capability the Iskander TEL is able to avoid artillery counter fire achieving improved survivability.

The Iskander missile features unprecedented accuracy for a Russian Tactical Ballistic Missile achieved through the use of a very precise Inertial Navigation System (INS), GLONASS (Soviet GPS counterpart), imagery and millimeter wave radar. High accuracy in all weather condition will enable Iskander to hit both area and small-size targets specially air defense systems. Moreover, Iskander is equipped with decoys and advanced countermeasures. The Iskander TBM achieved initial operational capability in 1998 with the Russian Federation Army. It is available for export, Iskander-E designation, and could become the best selling long range artillery system in the Tactical Ballistic Missiles market. The TEL vehicle of the Iskander-E only carries a single missile. According to Rosoboronexport Syria, the UAE, Malaysia, India and some other countries have shown an interest in the Iskander-E missile system. Other potential customers are Algeria, Kuwait, Singapore, Vietnam, and South Korea.