Iskander-M

The Iskander-M (NATO reporting name SS-26 Stone) is a cornerstone of Russia's tactical missile capabilities. It is a mobile short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) system that replaced the Soviet-era Scud and Tochka-U systems. The 'M' variant is the primary version used by the Russian Armed Forces, featuring a range of up to 500 kilometers and the ability to carry various warheads, including high-explosive fragmentation, penetration, and tactical nuclear payloads.

What distinguishes the Iskander-M is its maneuverability. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles that follow a predictable parabolic arc, the Iskander-M travels on a quasi-ballistic trajectory. It remains within the atmosphere and performs evasive maneuvers during both the mid-course and terminal phases of flight. This capability is specifically designed to complicate interception by modern anti-ballistic missile (ABM) systems.

For Israel and the broader Middle East, the Iskander-M is a subject of intense security interest due to its proliferation and the potential for similar technologies to reach adversarial actors. Russia has deployed these systems in Syria (Hmeimim Air Base) and has exported an export-variant (Iskander-E) to regional players like Algeria. The system's precision and ability to bypass defenses represent a significant shift in the tactical balance of power. Recent operational use in the Ukraine conflict, including reported strikes on Kyiv alongside hypersonic Zircon missiles, provides critical data for Western and Israeli intelligence on the system's real-world effectiveness and the limitations of current air defense umbrellas.