All Russian missile forces to be fully equipped with nuclear-capable Iskanders by 2020
All Russian missile formations will be reequipped with Iskander-M tactical ballistic missile systems by 2020, according to the Chief of Missile and Artillery Troops, Mikhail Matveevsky.
The Major General emphasized that the Islander-M, “is the best missile system in its class today and it is able to overwhelm any missile defense system.”
According to him, defense industry enterprises in the Russian Federation are working on the modernization of the system in order to improve its combat and operational characteristics.
Speaking about the work to improve missile armament, the general mentioned, in particular, the establishment of prospective combat units including those “that have specific purposes equipped with new weapons advancements to increase the devastating effect of these systems.”
The work on "the use of seeking devices and seeking and self-aiming sub-munitions in combat units is being carried out," Matveevsky said. Moreover, he said, the missile systems are equipped with “new on-board control systems, automated procedures for preparing and launching missiles, and automated control over all technical aspects.”
According to the General, the modernization potential of the Iskander-M ballistic missile adopted in 2006 “will allow for it to be maintained on a modern level on par with foreign models, by 2030."
The Iskander-M tactical ballistic missile (designed by the Machine Building Design Bureau, which belongs to the holding company SPA High-Precision Complexes) can hit targets at a distance of up to 500 km. The complex includes two types of missiles, ballistic and cruise. The complex is designed for the destruction of multiple artillery rocket systems including missile and air defense systems, aircrafts and helicopters, those on airfields, and command posts.