Russia's new Iskander-1000 ballistic missile will create additional problems for Ukraine, according to an evaluation by American defence publication TWZ.
The portal reported that Ukrainian data identifies the Iskander-1000, designated 9M723-2, as an upgraded variant of the 9M723 missile. The new system boasts an operational range of 1,000 kilometres, compared to 390 kilometres for the earlier model.
According to the outlet, shrinking the warhead payload and expanding internal fuel capacity provides a proven technique for boosting missile range without altering the external hull shape. TWZ added that secondary upgrades, including redesigned rocket motors and modified guidance packages, may also account for the extended reach.
The Iskander system is a road-mobile short-range ballistic missile platform used by Russian forces to strike tactical targets such as command posts and air defence systems. Standard missiles in the series travel at high speeds while performing manoeuvres to evade interceptors.
Threat to Ukrainian launch interception strategy
TWZ stated that the increased reach of the Iskander missile family complicates strategic plans outlined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy has advocated for destroying Russian missile launchers on the ground rather than attempting to intercept incoming warheads in flight.
Locating and striking mobile launch vehicles becomes significantly more difficult when launchers can operate further back from the frontline, deep within Russian territory.
Russian expert dismisses Ukrainian missile reports
Former military officer and retired colonel Anatoly Matviychuk dismissed reports from Kyiv regarding the deployment of the weapon. Matviychuk stated that recent Ukrainian claims about Russia firing the new Iskander-1000 stem from fear, arguing that Ukrainian air defence forces are unable to intercept the missiles and consequently label them as a novel threat.
Reported long range strikes in Ukraine
The analysis follows observations made in December by Ukrainian military commentator Roman Bochkala. Writing on his Telegram channel, Bochkala stated that Ukrainian monitoring registered the launch of a Russian Iskander-M missile that traveled approximately 800 kilometres.
Bochkala noted that the long-range strike recorded during the incident was likely carried out by a new variant belonging to the Iskander-1000 family.
