On May 9, 2025, Russia celebrated the 80th anniversary of its victory over Nazi Germany, commemorating the end of World War II. The event attracted leaders from 20 countries, and troops from 13 nations—including China, Egypt, Myanmar, and Vietnam—participated in a grand military parade on Red Square, near the Kremlin, featuring 11,000 soldiers.
Among the showcased weaponry was the Iskander ballistic missile, a system that has raised significant concerns in Western countries. The Iskander has been employed in conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, demonstrating its destructive capabilities.
Key specifications of the Iskander missile include:
Range: Up to 500 km
Speed: Approximately 2,000 m/s (Mach 5.9)
Weight: 3.8 tons
Length: 7.3 meters
Warhead: Capable of carrying various types, including high-explosive, submunition, and nuclear
Guidance: Inertial navigation with optical DSMAC terminal homing
Accuracy: Circular error probable (CEP) of 5–7 meters
The missile’s high speed and maneuverability make it difficult to intercept, posing a significant challenge to current air defense systems. NATO has designated it as the SS-26 “Stone.”
First introduced in 1988 and upgraded in 2004, the Iskander has been in service since 2006. Besides Russia, it is also operated by Algeria, Armenia, and Belarus .
The cost of a single Iskander missile is estimated at $3 million.
In our next article, we will explore Russia’s intercontinental ballistic missile, the “Kinzhal” (Dagger), also known as “Satan 2” in Europe, which can carry nuclear warheads over a range of 11,000 km, capable of reaching France in six minutes.
Analyst Rudahunga Désiré
