Russia deploys Iskander-1000 missile with extended range

Russia has developed the 9M723-2 missile, commonly referred to as the Iskander-1000, which extends its ballistic strike range to over 500 kilometers. This evolution in strike capability allows Russia to target areas in western Ukraine, such as Lviv, which were previously beyond the reach of standard 9M723 missiles due to previous treaty limitations.

The Ukrainian intelligence service (HUR) recently identified the first deployment of this weapon against Kyiv, noting it was launched from a Bora-M platform and traveled approximately 550 kilometers. Unlike drones or cruise missiles that can take hours to reach a target, this ballistic missile can complete its flight in less than ten minutes, significantly reducing detection windows.

Due to its hypersonic speeds of Mach 6 or 7, the missile possesses high kinetic energy, making it capable of penetrating fortified underground bunkers and reinforced concrete. Military experts note that this capability provides a tactical advantage against both stationary fortified structures and mobile targets like trains or vehicles.