9K720 Iskander

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	Weapon: 9K720 Iskander Type: Rocket Artillery Country of Origin: Russia Year Adopted: 2006 Overall Length (mm): 7200.0 Overall Length (in): 283.46 Weight (kg): 3800.00 Weight (pounds): 8377.57

The 9K720 Iskander is a short-range ballistic missile system developed by Russia as a replacement for the aging OTR-21 Tochka. Designed by the KB Mashinostroyeniya design bureau, the Iskander entered service with the Russian military in the early 2000s. The system features a mobile launcher capable of carrying and firing solid-fueled missiles with a range of up to 500 km. The missile is highly maneuverable, employs stealth technology, and is capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads. With precision targeting and electronic countermeasure resistance, the Iskander is a significant advancement in Russia's tactical missile capabilities.

While the exact production numbers remain classified, the Iskander has been widely deployed within the Russian military, with export variants such as the Iskander-E offered to select allied nations. The system has been stationed in key strategic locations, including the Kaliningrad region, raising concerns among NATO countries. The Iskander has also been used in active combat, including in conflicts involving Russia and neighboring states, demonstrating its effectiveness in modern warfare. Its rapid deployment capability and high accuracy make it a formidable weapon for precision strikes against enemy infrastructure and military targets.

The Iskander missile system has gained significant notoriety due to its role in geopolitical tensions, particularly in Eastern Europe. Its deployment near NATO borders has been a point of contention, with concerns about its potential to bypass missile defense systems. The system has also been used in military operations in Ukraine and Syria, further increasing its reputation as a potent battlefield weapon. With its continued upgrades and strategic importance in Russia's missile arsenal, the Iskander remains one of the most advanced and controversial tactical ballistic missile systems in use today.

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