Iskander-M Missile System

In News 

• Recently, Russia has promised its ally Belarus delivery of nuclear- capable missiles  named Iskander-M tactical missile systems to take on an “aggressive” West. 

What is the Iskander-M missile system?

• About:
  • It is codenamed “SS-26 Stone” by NATO.
  • It  is a term used by Russia to define both the transporter-erector launch system and the short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) it fires. 
  • The system can also fire ground-launched cruise missiles (GLCMs) – the SSC-7 and the SSC-8. 
  • It has been exclusively used by the Russian military, whereas Iskander-E is the one meant for export.
• Capability and Range: 
  • It has a range of 500 km and it can carry a payload of up to 700 kg. 
  • It is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. 
    • The conventional warheads can be equipped with include cluster bombs, electromagnetic pulse (EMP) warheads and bunker-buster munitions.

• The export variant, Iskander-E, has a range of 280 km with a reduced 480 kg payload.

• First Use: 
  • The Iskander system was inducted by Russia in 2006, its development picked pace in the late 1980s after the “Oka” SRBM or the OTR-23 was banned under the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty.
    • The Oka was Russia’s first attempt to replace the Soviet Scud missiles. Iskander was the second. 
    • Russia first used the Iskander in combat in Georgia in 2008.

Source:IE