- Russia is actively increasing its inventory of Iskander-M ballistic missiles.
- Analysis from a Kyiv institute has identified at least seven missile variants with different warheads, including high-explosive, cluster, and special types.
The Russian army is actively increasing its inventory of missiles for the Iskander-M operational-tactical complex.
The “Militarnyi” reported on findings from documents originating from the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise (KNDISE). This analysis revealed at least seven types of missiles featuring different warheads, including high-explosive fragmentation, cluster, and special types.
The most heavily ordered variant is the 9M723-1F2 missile. Reports indicate over 770 units of this type were procured, at a cost of 192 million rubles, or approximately 2.4 million dollars, per missile. This variant possesses a modernized detonation and fragmentation scheme, which increases its effectiveness in striking area targets.
In contrast, the base modification, the 9M723-1F1, was ordered in the smallest quantities. Only 59 units of this missile were procured, at a cost of 3 million dollars per unit. It is equipped with a high-explosive penetrating warhead and includes steel elements designed for use against personnel and equipment. Another variant, the 9M723-1F3, is also equipped with a penetrating high-explosive warhead and features an updated shell design. Russia ordered 217 of these units, with costs ranging between 189 million and 238 million rubles per missile in different years.
Particular attention is drawn to the 9M723-1K5 modification, which carries a cluster warhead. This missile is designed to attack large areas, personnel on open terrain, and light-armored vehicles. It was reported that approximately 185 units were ordered. The cost for each of these missiles is 238 million rubles, or about 3 million dollars.
According to an analytical bulletin from KNDISE, the arsenal for the Iskander-M complex also includes the 9M723-1B, 9M723-1F, and 9M723-1F4 modifications.
The 9M723-1B missile utilizes a special warhead designated AA106. Its dimensions and mass conform to the series standard, with a reported length of 7.2 meters and a launch mass of 3.8 tons. It has a smaller warhead, weighing approximately 410 kilograms. The 9M723-1F modification is considered an early version of the base 9M723-1F1. The 9M723-1F1 itself is described as a refined version, adapted to modern production requirements and combat tasks.
The 9M723-1F4 missile is described as the newest modification, featuring improved characteristics for its high-explosive fragmentation warhead. It likely has an updated shell design and an advanced detonation scheme. These changes are intended to increase its effectiveness against both area and fortified targets.
While its technical parameters remain within the series standard, the KNDISE documents noted that its warhead might contain a modified explosive composition. The missiles are operated by the Russian army.