Russia's Iskander launchers destroyed before planned attack on Kyiv
Photo: Iskander missile launcher (Getty Images)
Ukrainian Armed Forces units, together with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), launched a missile strike on a concentration area of Russian missile forces in the Bryansk region. One Iskander missile launcher was destroyed, reports the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
According to the General Staff, a unit of the 26th Russian missile brigade, operating from the area of the city of Klintsy in Russia’s Bryansk region, attempted to launch a strike on a Ukrainian settlement - likely targeting Kyiv.
"Thanks to effective reconnaissance and coordinated actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the SBU, the targets were successfully hit. One Russian missile launcher detonated, and two more were likely damaged. The results of the strike are being clarified," the statement said.
Iskander missile launchers
The Iskander is a Russian short-range ballistic missile system.
Modifications:
- Iskander-M – equipped with ballistic missiles
- Iskander-K – uses R-500 cruise missiles (similar to Kalibr)
Types of missiles:
- Ballistic: 9M723, 9M728
- Cruise: R-500 (9M729)
Range:
- Iskander-M: Officially up to 500 km (under the INF Treaty, which Russia withdrew from in 2019). NATO and experts estimate the range to be up to 700 km or more.
- Iskander-K (with cruise missiles): Up to 1,500–2,000 km
Russia launches Iskander missiles at Ukraine from its border regions.
Ukraine’s air defense systems (e.g., Patriot, NASAMS, IRIS-T, S-300) successfully intercept Iskander missiles. However, Iskander missiles are difficult to shoot down due to their high speed and maneuverability.
Russia plans to produce hundreds of missiles in 2025 for attacks on Ukrainian territory, including 750 9M723 ballistic missiles for the Iskander missile system.
