The Elusive Rocket Avenger. Iskander operational-tactical missile system Types of warheads

“Iskander” (complex index - 9K720, according to the classification of the US Department of Defense and NATO - SS-26 Stone, English Stone) - a family of operational-tactical missile systems (OTRK): Iskander, Iskander-E, Iskander-K, Iskander-M. The complex was developed at the Kolomna Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau (KBM). Iskander was first publicly presented in August 1999 at the MAKS aerospace salon.

Story

The development of the Iskander OTRK was started in accordance with the resolution of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated December 21, 1988 No. 1452-294 “on the start of development work on the creation of the Iskander OTRK”, as a result, among other things, of the personal efforts of the chief KBM designer S.P. Invincible, who proved to the Military-Industrial Commission of the Presidium of the Council of Ministers of the USSR the need to create a missile system instead of the Oka OTRK that is not subject to the provisions of the INF Treaty with the United States.

On October 11, 2011, the first stage of testing of the updated Iskander-M missile system with new combat equipment was completed. The 9M723 missile of the Iskander-M complex is equipped with a new correlation guidance system.

Main characteristics

Purpose of the complex

Designed to engage combat units in conventional equipment against small-sized and area targets deep in the operational formation of enemy troops. It is assumed that it can be a means of delivering tactical nuclear weapons.

Most likely targets:

fire weapons (missile systems, multiple launch rocket systems, long-range artillery)

missile defense and air defense systems

airplanes and helicopters at airfields

command posts and communication centers

critical civil infrastructure facilities

Composition of the complex

TZM 9T250-1 of the Iskander-M complex at the dress rehearsal of the 2010 Victory Parade in Moscow.

The complex includes six types of vehicles (51 units per missile brigade):

Self-propelled launcher (SPU) (9P78-1) 12 pcs. - designed for storing, transporting, preparing and launching two missiles at a target. The Iskander can be made on the basis of a special wheeled chassis produced by the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT-7930). Gross weight 42 tons, payload 19 tons, highway/dirt road speed 70/40 km/h, fuel range 1000 km. Calculation 3 people.

Transport-loading machine (TZM) (9T250 (9T250E)) 12 pcs. - designed to transport two additional missiles. Made on the MZKT-7930 chassis, equipped with a loading crane. Total combat weight 40 tons. Crew 2 people.

Command and staff vehicle (KShM) (9S552) 11 pcs. - designed to control the entire Iskander complex. Made on a KAMAZ 43101 wheeled chassis. Radio station R-168-100KAE “Aqueduct”. Calculation 4 people. Characteristics of the crankshaft:

maximum radio range when stationary/on the move: 350/50 km

task calculation time for missiles: up to 10 s

command transmission time: up to 15 s

number of communication channels: up to 16

deployment (collapse) time: up to 30 minutes

continuous operation time: 48 hours

Regulations and maintenance machine (MRTO) - designed to check on-board equipment of rockets and instruments, to carry out routine repairs. Made on a KamAZ wheeled chassis. Weight is 13.5 tons, deployment time does not exceed 20 minutes, the time of the automated cycle of routine checks of the on-board equipment of the rocket is 18 minutes, crew 2 people.

Information Preparation Point (PPI) (9S920, KAMAZ 43101) - designed to determine the coordinates of the target and prepare flight missions for missiles with their subsequent transfer to the SPU. The PPI is interfaced with reconnaissance assets and can receive tasks and assigned targets from all necessary sources, including from a satellite, aircraft or UAV. Calculation 2 people.

Life support machine (LSM) 14 pcs. - designed for accommodation, rest and eating of combat crews. It is made on a KAMAZ 43118 wheeled chassis. The vehicle includes: a rest compartment and a utility compartment. The rest compartment has 6 carriage-type berths with folding upper beds, 2 lockers, built-in lockers, and an opening window. The utility compartment has 2 lockers with seats, a folding lifting table, a water supply system with a 300-liter tank, a tank for heating water, a pump for pumping water, a drainage system, a sink, and a dryer for clothes and shoes.

A set of arsenal equipment and training facilities.

Combat characteristics

Circular probable deviation: 10-30 m (depending on the guidance system used); 5-7 m (Iskander-M using a missile with a correlation seeker)

Rocket launch weight: 3,800 kg

Warhead weight: 480 kg

Length 7.2 m

Diameter 920 mm

Rocket speed after the initial part of the trajectory: 2,100 m/s

The maximum overload during flight is 20-30G (the rocket maneuvers in flight both in altitude and in flight direction). The maximum trajectory altitude is 50 km.

Minimum target engagement range: 50 km

Maximum target range:

500 km Iskander-K (500 km with the R-500 cruise missile, according to some sources up to 700 km)

280 km Iskander-E (export)

Guidance: INS, GLONASS, Optical seeker

Time before first rocket launch: 4-16 minutes

Interval between launches: 1 minute (for 9P78 launcher with two missiles)

Operating temperature range: −50 °C to 50 °C

Service life: 10 years, including 3 years in field conditions

Types of head parts

In normal equipment:

cassette with 54 fragmentation combat elements of non-contact detonation (triggered at a height of about 10 m above the ground)

cassette with cumulative fragmentation combat elements

cassette with self-aiming combat elements

cassette volumetric detonating action

high-explosive fragmentation (HFBCH)

high explosive incendiary

penetrating (PrBC)

special (nuclear)

Rockets

The Iskander complex includes two types of missiles: ballistic 9M723 and cruise missiles bearing the index 9M728.

The 9M723 missile has one stage with a solid propellant engine. The trajectory of movement is quasi-ballistic (not ballistic, maneuvering), the rocket is controlled throughout the entire flight using aerodynamic and gas-dynamic rudders. Manufactured using technologies to reduce radar signature (so-called “Stealth Technologies”): small dispersion surface, special coatings, small size of protruding parts. Most of the flight takes place at an altitude of about 50 km. The missile conducts intensive maneuvering with overloads of the order of 20-30 units during the initial and final phases of the flight. The guidance system is mixed: inertial in the initial and middle phases of the flight and optical (using a seeker developed by TsNIIAG) in the final phase of the flight, which achieves a high accuracy of 5-7 m. It is possible to use GPS/GLONASS in addition to the inertial guidance system. There are several modifications of the missile that differ in warhead and telemetry.

On September 20, 2014, during the Vostok-2014 command post exercises, the Iskander-M missile system was fired for the first time with a 9M728 cruise missile. The launches were carried out by the 107th separate missile brigade (Birobidzhan). Developer and manufacturer - OKB Novator. Chief designer – P.I. Kamnev. The missile was tested from May 30, 2007. Firing range: maximum – up to 500 km.

From 2013, it is planned to supply the Russian Armed Forces with missiles equipped with an electronic warfare system, which will provide cover for the missile during the final flight phase. This system includes means of passive and active jamming of enemy air and missile defense surveillance and firing radars through noise and the release of false targets.

Options

Iskander-M - an option for the Russian armed forces, 2 missiles on launchers, the firing range in various sources varies from that stated for the Iskander-E - 280 km - to 500 km (it is not indicated with what type of warhead (warhead mass) is achieved corresponding range). The flight altitude is 6-50 km, most of which usually takes place at maximum altitude. Controlled throughout the flight. The trajectory is not ballistic and difficult to predict. The missile is made using low radar signature technology and also has a radio-absorbing coating and is a relatively small target in natural physical size. Predicting the target when attempting an early interception is further complicated by intensive maneuvering during takeoff and descent to the target. When descending to the target, the missile maneuvers with an overload of 20-30 units, descending at a speed of 700-800 m/s (these figures exceed or are on the verge of the capabilities of the best mid-range missile defense/air defense systems), at an angle of about 90 degrees (in some cases only the angle of attack is sufficient for complete defenselessness of the attacked missile defense system, and even more so air defense, especially short-range ones), thus the Iskander-M has a number of advantages over its analogues, and high capabilities not just for hitting a target, but even for means of defense in the form of modern missile defense systems.

The missile carries a complex set of passive and active jammers; when approaching the target, false targets and jammers are additionally shot at. Model M is additionally equipped with an electronic warfare system to disrupt the operation of enemy radars. All this also provides the missile with high combat effectiveness in comparison with simpler similar missiles.

Maneuvering at high altitudes is ensured by speed and aerodynamic rudders. Such maneuvering is not intensive, but it places extremely high demands on the reaction time for the interceptor (in a hundredth of a second, missiles get closer to tens of meters, the reaction time of one of the fastest-responding missile defense systems is more than 5 seconds, as well as open-source air defense systems). If the interceptor is kinetic, this also requires successful trajectory prediction with high accuracy. To successfully intercept a ballistic target with a high probability, previously developed before the Iskander non-ballistic complexes, it was sufficiently early to detect a target of appropriate size and speed, and, having predicted the trajectory, ensure the interception. However, Iskander changes his trajectory. The Oka complex, the predecessor of the Iskander, could change the target while maintaining a stable trajectory before and after the maneuver, thereby moving away from the interceptor, or at least reducing the effective protection zone, requiring time to recalculate the meeting point.

Iskander-E - export version, firing range 280 km, warhead weight 480 kg. It is a simplified version of the Iskander-M. Maneuvering the rocket at high altitude is ensured by aerodynamic rudders and a flight speed of 2100 meters per second throughout the high-altitude flight. Satisfies the conditions of the Missile Technology Control Regime.

Iskander-K - variant using cruise missiles, firing range 500 km, warhead weight 480 kg. The missile's flight altitude is about 7 meters when reaching the target, and no higher than 6 km; the missile is automatically adjusted throughout the flight and automatically follows the terrain. R-500 cruise missiles with a range of 2000 km are also produced for the Iskander-K OTRK.

Combat use

There is no reliable information about the combat use of the Iskander complexes, but there have been reports, refuted by the Russian military, that the complex was used during the Georgian-South Ossetian armed conflict of 2008.

According to the head of the Analytical Department of the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Shota Utiashvili, Russia used Iskander missile systems at sites in Poti, Gori and the Baku-Supsa pipeline.

Mikhail Barabanov, an expert from the Moscow Defense Brief, points out that the Iskander complex was used at the base of a separate tank battalion in Gori. As a result of a direct hit by a warhead on the Georgian battalion's weapons depot, it was blown up. However, the author notes that this information is based on unverified sources. A Dutch commission investigating the circumstances of the death of RTL Nieuws television cameraman Stan Storimans in Gori on August 12, 2008, determined that the journalist died from being hit by one 5-mm steel ball. According to the BBC, the Dutch commission expressed an expert opinion that the carrier of the cluster munition was Iskander, but the report did not indicate on what grounds such a conclusion was made. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the data provided by the Dutch side is not enough to determine the type of carrier. Earlier, Human Rights Watch put forward another version, according to which the death of the Dutch journalist was caused by RBK-250 aviation cluster bombs.

Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Colonel General Anatoly Nogovitsyn, denied all reports about the use of Iskander missiles in Georgia, saying that the Iskander complex was not used during hostilities in South Ossetia.

Policy

The Iskander operational-tactical missile system is a weapon that can influence the military-political situation in some regions of the world if the states located in them do not have an extended territory. Therefore, the issues of deployment of Iskander complexes, as well as their export deliveries, are the subject of political consultations between countries.

On November 5, 2008, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, speaking to the Federal Assembly, said that the response to the American missile defense system in Poland would be the deployment of Iskander missile systems in the Kaliningrad region. But after the United States refused to deploy a missile defense system in Eastern Europe, Medvedev said that in response Russia would not deploy this complex in the Kaliningrad region. Due to the escalation of tensions between Russia and the United States, at the end of 2011 the issue of deploying the Iskander OTRK in the Kaliningrad region remained open. On November 23, 2011, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev again stated that the Russian Federation is ready to deploy the Iskander complex if NATO countries continue to deploy a missile defense system in Europe.

On January 25, 2012, it became known that the first division of Iskander operational-tactical missile systems in the Kaliningrad region would be deployed and put on combat duty by Russia in the second half of 2012. However, on the same day, the Russian Ministry of Defense denied this information, stating that no decision was made by the General Staff on approving the staff of the military unit of the Baltic Fleet, equipped with Iskander missile systems. On December 15, 2013, German media, citing sources in security structures, reported that Russia had deployed Iskander missile systems in the Kaliningrad region. This is evidenced by satellite images, which show at least ten Iskander-M complexes deployed in Kaliningrad, as well as along the border with the Baltic countries. The rollout could occur throughout 2013.

The complexes were transferred to the Kaliningrad region during military exercises and a surprise check of the combat readiness of the Western Military District and the Northern Fleet in December 2014 and March 2015.

In 2005, it became known about plans to supply Iskander complexes to Syria. This caused a sharp negative reaction from Israel and the United States. During a visit to Israel, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ban on such supplies to prevent an imbalance of power in the region. In August 2008, during a visit to Moscow, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad expressed his readiness to deploy complexes in Syria.

On February 15, 2010, the President of the unrecognized Transnistria, Igor Smirnov, spoke in favor of deploying Iskander missiles in the republic in response to plans to deploy US missile defense systems in Romania and Bulgaria.

In service

Russia (as of February 2016): 6 brigades (72 SPU)

26th missile brigade of the Western Military District (Luga) - the re-equipment of the brigade began in 2010 with the supply of 6 complexes (PU), in 2011 the formation of the first brigade (12 PU) was completed;

107th Missile Brigade of the Eastern Military District (Birobidzhan) - completely rearmed on June 28, 2013 (12 launchers);

1st Missile Brigade of the Southern Military District (Krasnodar) - the transfer of equipment took place on November 14, 2013 (12 launchers);

112th separate guards missile brigade of the Western Military District (Shuya) - the transfer of equipment took place on July 8, 2014 (12 launchers);

92nd separate missile brigade (Orenburg) Central Military District - transfer of equipment took place on November 19, 2014 (12 launchers);

103rd separate missile brigade (Ulan-Ude) of the Eastern Military District - the transfer of equipment took place on July 17, 2015 (12 launchers);

By 2018, it is planned to re-equip all missile brigades with the Iskander OTRK.

Video

Kolomenskoye Design Bureau. All my life “classified as Secret.” Fire arrows. Impact force.

About a year ago, the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense spoke about the first cases of combat use of the 9K720 Iskander operational-tactical missile systems as part of the operation in Syria. A few days ago, new reports appeared about similar operation of missile systems. It was noted that during real combat launches, the missile systems showed high performance and coped with the assigned tasks. Thus, the Iskander OTRK was able to confirm its capabilities in a real low-intensity conflict.

However, the new type of operational-tactical missile systems were created not only for local armed conflicts, but also for full-scale wars. In addition, as the events of recent years show, Iskanders are proving to be an effective military-political tool, capable of influencing the situation with their mere presence. In this regard, understandable questions arise: what exactly makes the Iskander family of tactical missile systems so effective in various fields and why are such complexes the most important element of the Russian armed forces?

Self-propelled launcher OTKR "Iskander" at the exercises "Center-2015"

Rocket carriers

It is obvious that the combat qualities of any OTRK are primarily determined by the tactical and technical characteristics of its individual components. Indeed, a significant contribution to the capabilities of the Iskander complex is made by the characteristics of various vehicles from its composition. All the main assets of this complex are made on self-propelled chassis and have high mobility, which allows them to reach the specified positions in a timely manner and prepare to launch missiles.

The OTRK 9K720 includes six vehicles for various purposes, not counting training equipment, etc. arsenal equipment. A standard missile brigade operates a total of more than 50 vehicles of various types. The basis of the complex is the 9P78-1 self-propelled launcher. Its operation is provided by the 9T250 transport-loading vehicle, the 9S552 command and control vehicle, as well as an information preparation point, a life support vehicle and a regulations and maintenance vehicle.

The main vehicles of the complex are built on the four-axle chassis MZKT-7930 “Astrologer”; other means are mounted on KamAZ vehicles. Using such a chassis, the components of the Iskander OTRK are capable of moving along highways at speeds of at least 70 km/h. It also allows movement on a dirt road at a speed of 40 km/h or over rough terrain overcoming various obstacles. Water barriers are crossed by fords or bridges. The launcher's power reserve is 1000 km.

Means of the Iskander complex. In the foreground is a 9S552 command and staff vehicle.

The 9P78-1 combat vehicle and other elements of the complex are capable of reaching a given position for deployment and launch in a minimum amount of time. According to available data, the missile can be launched 4-5 minutes after arriving at the position. A significant part of the operations to prepare for a rocket launch is carried out automatically, but human participation is not completely excluded. An important feature of the 9K720 OTRK is the presence of two missiles on one launcher. Two more products are located on the transport-loading vehicle and can be loaded onto the launcher. According to standards, reloading one rocket takes 16 minutes.

Ballistic missile

The first surface-to-surface ballistic missile of the 9M723 type was created for the Iskander OTRK. This is a single-stage solid-propellant rocket with an integral warhead and a guidance system based on inertial and satellite navigation. It is also known about the development of several alternative homing heads that identify the target using radar or optical systems. The 9M723 missile externally and in its design resembles ammunition from other domestic OTRKs, but has a number of serious technical and operational differences.

First of all, it is necessary to take into account that the 9M723 product is the so-called. quasi-ballistic missile. During flight, it is capable of not only moving along a given ballistic trajectory, but also maneuvering. Onboard control systems allow you to perform some maneuvers in all parts of the trajectory, from the moment of launch to the fall on the target. Intensive maneuvering on the way to the target is one of the main ways to protect a missile from enemy air or missile defense.

"Iskander" on the way to the firing position

Maneuvers with significant overloads in the active section make the missile’s trajectory unpredictable, which makes it difficult to intercept it with modern air defense and missile defense systems. On the ballistic part of the trajectory, interception is complicated by two factors. First of all, at this stage the missile rises to a height of about 50 km and goes beyond the area of ​​​​responsibility of air defense systems. In addition, the unpredictability of the trajectory associated with maneuvering, in turn, excludes the effective operation of modern missile defense systems.

Some sources mention that the 9M723 missile carries anti-missile defense capabilities similar to those found on intercontinental ballistic missiles. The product is capable of dropping false targets that interfere with enemy radars. The presence of its own on-board electronic warfare systems is also mentioned.

On the downward portion of the trajectory, a quasi-ballistic missile is capable of falling on a target almost vertically at a speed of more than 2 km/s, while simultaneously performing maneuvers with overloads of over 20 units. High speed, maneuvering and correct combat course sharply reduce the likelihood of successful detection, tracking and interception of a missile by modern air defense and missile defense systems created to combat “conventional” ballistic targets.

The process of reloading missiles from a transport-loading vehicle to a self-propelled launcher

9M723 products can be equipped with different warheads designed to destroy various enemy targets. Point targets, including protected or buried ones, should be attacked with high-explosive and concrete-piercing monoblock warheads. To attack area targets, there are several variants of a cluster warhead, differing from each other in the types of combat elements. The cassette can accommodate high-explosive, cumulative, volume-detonating and self-aiming anti-tank submunitions. There is also a special warhead in the form of a monoblock with a power of 50 kt.

The 9M723 quasi-ballistic missile is capable of delivering a warhead to a range of up to 280 km. Its improved version 9M723-1, included in the Iskander-M OTRK, according to various sources, has a range of 400 or 480 km. Thus, the 9M720 ballistic missile systems comply with the requirements of the still valid Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. The probable circular deflection of missiles, according to various sources, does not exceed 10-20 m.

Cruise missile

In the course of further development of the basic Iskander OTRK, the Iskander-K system was created. Its main difference is the rocket used. A ground-based cruise missile was developed specifically for this modification of the complex. As before, the self-propelled launcher carries two missiles and is capable of firing them almost immediately after arriving at a specified position.

Complex operator at work

The basis of the Iskander-K complex is the 9K728 cruise missile, also known as the R-500. As follows from the available data, this product was created without taking into account developments in other Iskander ammunition, and it is based on the experience of completely different projects. According to various versions, the 9K728 missile could be built on the basis of the S-10 Granat missile, products of the Caliber family, or even on the basis of the Kh-101 air-launched missile. Which of these versions is more true is not known for certain. Apparently, there is some commonality with modern cruise missiles of the Caliber complex, but the real degree of unification is not disclosed.

The R-500 product is a subsonic cruise missile with a turbojet propulsion engine. The missile is equipped with an inertial guidance system with the possibility of correction using satellite navigation signals. The autopilot is capable of guiding the missile towards the target along an optimal trajectory, ensuring maximum stealth and reducing the likelihood of successful operation of enemy air defenses. However, there is not too much data on this matter.

According to available information, the 9K728 missile is capable of low-altitude flight following the terrain. It is also possible to use a ballistic trajectory, which, during the operation of the starting engine, provides access to a greater altitude. Then the flight and approach to the target is carried out according to the optimal profile. In particular, it is possible to approach the target at low altitude, sharply reducing the permissible reaction time of air defense and missile defense.

"Iskander-K" in combat position

Whether the R-500 missile has any means of breaking through enemy defenses other than the correct flight profile is unknown. It can be noted that the characteristic architecture of this product does not allow it to carry a large supply of decoys. It is also not entirely clear whether there could be a jamming station on board the rocket.

The Iskander cruise missile has a flight range of up to 500 km - this parameter is limited by the requirements of the INF Treaty. However, foreign experts and politicians are not inclined to trust official Russian data. They express doubts on which the real accusations are based. According to various estimates, the actual flight range of the 9K728 / R-500 product is significantly higher than the declared one. The wildest assumptions bring this parameter to 2000-2500 km. The consequence of this is accusations of violation of the INF Treaty, since this agreement prohibits the development and production of ground-based missiles with a range of more than 500 and less than 5,500 km.

However, the 9K728 missile of the Iskander-K operational-tactical complex is not the most popular reason for criticism. In this context, US politicians are showing much greater interest in the Russian 9K729 missile, which allegedly also does not comply with the terms of the INF Treaty.

Launch of the 9M723 quasi-ballistic missile

Advantages and Threats

As part of the project with the Iskander code, domestic designers created a unique operational-tactical missile system, or rather, a whole family of such systems. The entire line of complexes is based on the same ground-based assets, including a self-propelled launcher and a set of auxiliary vehicles. The unified combat vehicle is capable of using several types of ballistic and cruise missiles, differing in their purpose and capabilities.

Last year, the leadership of the Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau, which developed the OTRK 9K720, revealed interesting information about the Iskander-M project. It turned out that to date, as many as seven missiles of different types and purposes have been developed for this system. Perhaps we were talking about already known products and their modifications, but even in this case, the announced data looks extremely interesting. They directly indicate the potential and combat qualities of the OTRK, as well as its ability to influence the military-political situation.

The Russian army is armed with a universal missile system capable of attacking and destroying various enemy targets at operational depth using missiles and warheads of a number of types. In fact, we are talking about a universal system with the maximum possible and acceptable characteristics. For example, the firing range of cruise and ballistic missiles is limited primarily by international agreements.

Launch of the R-500/9K728 cruise missile

Along with the maximum possible firing range, the Iskander complex is distinguished by its extreme difficulty in intercepting incoming missiles. When developing ballistic and cruise missiles, both known and new ideas were used, which had a positive effect on their ability to break through enemy air defenses and missile defenses. Breakthrough means and methods were created taking into account the features of modern missile and air defense systems, and therefore Iskander is one step ahead.

A mobile system with a firing range of up to 500 km and the ability to break through modern defenses naturally turns out to be a convenient military and political tool. With its help, in a real conflict, you can hit various enemy targets, leaving him almost no chance to repel the blow. In peacetime or in a period of threat, the Iskander family of tactical missile systems can be a convenient means of projecting power or even a threat designed to transparently hint at the views and opinions of the state.

Iskander complexes have been deployed in recent years in a number of ground forces units based in different regions. The total number of complexes in the troops has long exceeded one hundred and, most likely, will increase. The highly effective military and political weapon has been mastered by the troops and is capable of solving the tasks assigned to it.

Launching the 9K728 product from a camouflaged position

Problems of the future

Currently, the possible rupture of the INF Treaty is being actively discussed. The American side cites violations by Russia as the reason for this. In search of accusations, foreign experts recall old estimates about the flight range of the 9K728 cruise missile, which is supposedly capable of flying further than the permissible 500 km.

In the event of a breach of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, Russia will have to take appropriate measures. One of the consequences of the termination of this agreement may be the emergence of new types of American missiles in different European countries. In this case, the answer to them could be the Iskander tactical missile systems located in the western regions of Russia. Their task will be to strike at the launch positions of a potential enemy - both retaliatory and, possibly, preemptive.

There are fears abroad that the 9K728 cruise missile may be based on one of the existing sea- or air-launched products, and for this reason have a range beyond the limitations. There is an interesting logical problem with this. If the accusations against the 9K728 missile are not groundless, and it really violates the Treaty, then as a result of the rupture of the latter, Russia “appears” with a new one, capable of delivering strikes at long ranges. And all this will happen before NATO can take retaliatory measures. However, for this it is necessary that the Iskander-K complex really does not comply with current restrictions.

One way or another, already now the operational-tactical missile systems of the 9K720 Iskander family represent a serious military and political argument that gives our country certain advantages in the international arena. It is obvious that the further development of this line of complexes will make it possible to maintain the desired capabilities, and with a certain development of events, to increase them. At the same time, the complex is unlikely to lose its potential even if the situation changes and existing international agreements are abandoned. Iskander will continue to be dangerous for a potential enemy, and therefore extremely useful for our country.

Based on materials from sites:
http://rbase.new-factoria.ru/
https://defendingrussia.ru/
https://globalsecurity.org/
http://fas.org/
http://ria.ru/
http://tass.ru/
http://mil.ru/
http://militaryrussia.ru/blog/topic-816.html
http://military.tomsk.ru/blog/topic-304.html

The 9K720 operational-tactical missile system (according to NATO classification - SS-26Stone) appeared on paper as a concept back in the early 80s of the last century. Its creation was timed to coincide with one of the stages of the Cold War, when the superpowers decided to limit the use of nuclear weapons for military purposes. To maintain the combat effectiveness of missiles, a significant increase in accuracy was required, which the inertial control system could not provide.

In addition, the following aspects were expected to be achieved:

• the ability to maintain control over the projectile along the entire trajectory of movement to the target or most of it;
• automate the bulk of calculation tasks, including data exchange;
• use the rocket as a carrier for various warheads (a total of 10 are currently known).

The history of the creation of the Iskander missile system

Several design bureaus and institutes took part in the development of Iskander, but the leading enterprise was the Federal State Unitary Enterprise Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering (Kolomna). By that time, the organization had a lot of missile systems, and previously the institution was developing most of the mortar systems that entered service, both from the Soviet period and for the needs of the Russian army.

The development of Iskander was undertaken by S.P. Invincible, a designer who had gained enormous experience in creating similar systems using the example of the Oka complex. According to experts, the predecessor of the vehicle in question was the first in history capable of passing through means of destroying an enemy threat from the air with a probability almost equal to 100%. Thanks to this property, it was meant to ensure a high percentage of hits on intended targets. However, the equipment was destroyed in accordance with an agreement between the main participants in the Cold War, concluded in 1987. But a small number of vehicles were in service with the Russian army until 2003.

The baton for the development of a unique machine was taken up by Valery Kashin, who to this day is the general designer and head of the design bureau.

The KBM received a difficult task: the missile must destroy stationary targets and those in motion. It was important to guarantee a high probability of overcoming defense systems and getting hit. A serious difference from its predecessor was the fact that the warhead should not carry a nuclear warhead. It was supposed to compensate for the weakening scale of destruction through minimal deviation from the target.

The ability to pass unnoticed anti-aircraft systems and missile defense is based on the following technical solutions:

1. The surface of the case was created as smooth as possible, which made it invisible;
2. Protection from radar equipment was achieved by applying a special coating;
3. A unique feature was the maneuvering of the missile in flight, which made it impossible to calculate the meeting point and, therefore, to shoot it down.

Achieving ideal smoothness of the rocket was not easy, since during operation it is necessary to perform logistics operations, dock equipment, etc. All this is realized through integrated fastening elements, but at the moment of the shot all irregularities are smoothed out. To do this, several clips of two half-rings are installed, which are connected by locks that detonate upon startup and activate automatic covers. Thus, the places of detachable connections are closed when the rocket leaves the guides. Tricky, isn't it?

This set of capabilities made the rocket unique: so far no foreign development can compare with it. Experts argue that any analogues are an order of magnitude inferior to the Russian system and are unable to solve such complex problems. During the development phase, all these aspects required numerous modifications, which made the car unique in comparison with the original sketches.

The product “Iskander M complex” has been developed since 1993, when the corresponding decree of the country’s president appeared. The technical specification issued by the design bureau required an integrated and innovative approach. The design used and tested all the advanced achievements of science within the country itself and abroad.

The tests that were carried out within three types deserve special attention: bench, flight and climatic. The testing ground for them was Kapustin Yar, where at one time many missile innovations of the USSR and the Russian Federation were tested. Some tests were conducted in other regions of the state.

The process was completed in 2011, when the vehicle was equipped with a missile with the 9M723 index, which performed well during testing. In addition, a new guidance system was integrated - correlation.

The system was adopted by the Russian Army in 2006. The complexes began to enter service in the Western Military District 4 years after being put into service. The first batch of cars consisted of 6 units. The state program envisages putting 120 complexes into operation by 2020. In 2019, 7 brigades will be formed in the Russian army, in which Iskander-M vehicles will be used. In the same year, two vehicles will be transferred to the formations of the Eastern and Southern districts.

The purpose of the Iskander complex

According to the assignment, the reconnaissance and strike complex was supposed to hit from 20 to 40 targets in an hour, which required a large amount of ammunition. That is why it was decided to place 2 missiles on one chassis at once.

The increased weight had to be compensated by the development of a new chassis. If for previous generations (Tochka, Oka) the base was designed by the Bryansk plant, the new four-axle chassis was developed by the Minsk plant. As a result, it was possible to place the entire complex of weapons and launch control on one base.

The main task of the complex is to defeat the targets of the following objects:

• small targets performing storage and supply functions;
• strikes against targets behind potential enemy lines;
• enemy tactical means of destruction - MLRS (multiple launch rocket systems), long-range artillery, similar to the RK;
• aviation during parking and maintenance;
• strategically important objects, communication points;
• key points of civil infrastructure.

The listed tasks are solved using various warheads that can be equipped with a missile. Most often it is a cassette with 54 damaging components, or a high-explosive fragmentation, penetrating one. At the same time, the vehicle has enormous potential, so more advanced parts are expected to appear in accordance with more complex combat missions.

The practice of modern wars shows that the weapon itself does not guarantee victory, regardless of characteristics, lethality and accuracy. If equipment is not included in a coordinated intelligence system or there is no possibility of prompt exchange of information, its effectiveness tends to zero.

Taking into account the trend, the work of the complex is carried out based on information from various sources: satellites, drones and reconnaissance aircraft. The data arrives at the preparation point, where it is converted into a calculation task that is transmitted to the division's command and staff vehicles. After this, the task is set directly for execution. The system is controlled via local networks based on Russian computers, which can be easily upgraded and replaced with more advanced ones in the future.

Composition of the Iskander missile system

Of course, without support, the installation is not able to complete the entire range of tasks, which is why the support/supply group includes many pieces of equipment.

In addition to the self-propelled missile launcher (MZKT-7930 chassis), there is:

• command and staff vehicle, for which KAMAZ became the base;
• transport-loading - on a chassis identical to the launcher itself;
• mobile information preparation point at the KAMAZ base;
• regulations and maintenance vehicle, crew life support vehicle, sets of equipment (training and arsenal), for which KAMAZ trucks became the basis.

Taken together, the equipment is capable of performing a wide range of combat missions almost autonomously, taking up positions.

Rocket

The 9M723K1 rocket used is single-stage and runs on a solid propellant engine. The trajectory of movement is quasi-ballistic, that is, it cannot be predicted. During flight, active maneuvering is carried out, and gas-dynamic and aerodynamic rudders are used to control movement to the target.

The projectile has unique characteristics. Manufactured using various advanced techniques to reduce radar signature, in particular, “stealth technologies” are used: the body has special coatings, the dispersion surface is minimal, protruding parts are minimized in size, and in the air the rocket becomes almost perfectly smooth.

The main trajectory of movement is at an altitude of 50 km, but at the peak the values ​​​​can reach twice as high. At the initial and final stages of the flight, active maneuvering is carried out, when the probability of hitting the missile is greatest, and the equipment is subject to overloads of up to 20-30 units. Guidance until the final section (immediately after the salvo and at the main interval of the trajectory) is inertial, and at the final interval it is optical, that is, a combined method is used, due to which it is possible to achieve maximum accuracy with an error of 5-7 meters.

To operate the first type of guidance system, it is possible to use GPS/GLONASS. Since 2013, electronic warfare devices have been integrated into the design, which allows the projectile to be protected from air defense immediately before a target encounter.

The process is implemented by setting up two types of interference:

• active;
• passive - at the level of surveillance/firing radars, which includes the release of noise and false targets.

Self-propelled launcher

This is the main means of the group, which transports, stores and launches missiles. The product chassis received the MZKT-7930 index.

The vehicle was developed specifically to perform tasks in this complex, capable of carrying a load of 19 tons, while developing 70 km/h on the highway and up to 40 over rough terrain. The combat crew includes three people. The fuel range reaches thousands of kilometers.

Transport-charging machine

On a similar basis, another vehicle of the group was created, carrying two missiles on board.

To load the main installation, a crane is used, integrated into the design and crew of two people. The total weight of the vehicle is 40 tons.

Command and staff vehicle

An important decision was the use of a command post vehicle for automated control.

Created on the basis of KAMAZ. The equipment is unified for each link. To coordinate actions, a chain has been formed: launch battery – missile division – missile brigade. Interaction is supported in open and closed mode, the communication range on the march is 50 km, in a stationary position - 350, transmitting a command takes no more than 15 seconds, the task is calculated in 10 seconds.

A crew of 4 people can deploy/collapse the installation in half an hour, after which it operates continuously for two days.

Regulation and maintenance machine

The abbreviation of this unit of the complex is MRTO. It is necessary to assess the performance of systems and devices, as well as on-board equipment in the field.

On board there is everything necessary for emergency repairs. Deployment by two people takes up to 20 minutes; checking missile systems does not exceed a third of an hour.

Rocket complex life support machine

In the MJO, people servicing systems and equipment can eat and sleep while on duty.

For this purpose, two compartments are equipped, including 6 berths, a 300-liter water tank, and two lockers in each block.

Performance characteristics of the Iskander missile system

The Iskander complex fully complies with the main provisions of the agreement between the countries aimed at limiting the use and sale of missile technologies.

According to the classification, theses are as follows:

1. It is prohibited to sell missiles with a range of more than 300 km (the Iskander has 20 kilometers less);
2. The payload should be less than 0.5 tons (domestic development is capable of carrying 480 kg).

In addition, the carriers used run on solid fuel, which means that upgrading them to increase their range is difficult.

Shortest distance to target, km	50
The largest varies depending on the modification of the machine: under the index E/M/K, km	280/500/2000 (R-500 cruise missile)
Maximum permissible warhead weight, kg	480
Weight of the vehicle with equipped missiles, t	42,3
rocket engine	Solid propellant rocket motor;
Number of missiles:	on the loading machine - 2 on the launcher itself two more
Calculation, persons	3
Operating temperature range, degrees	-50 - +50
Operating life/including under conditions of intended use, years	10/3
Hit error, m	5-30
Projectile mass at launch, t	3,8
Height, mm	7200
Caliber, mm	920
Cruising speed, m/s	2100
Ceiling on a ballistic trajectory, km	More than 100
Required time to fire a shot, min	4-16
Period before launch of the second rocket, min	1

No similar weapon system can boast of such parameters, which makes the vehicle a unique means of warfare. Not only its functionality and multitasking are noted, but also the potential for deep modernization, which will extend the service life of the troops.

Combat characteristics of the complex

During development, the machine has great potential, thanks to the use of advanced technical solutions and achievements from the field of science. In fact, this is the latest generation of missile systems, with the potential for modernization in accordance with the realities of the future. The combat effectiveness of the vehicle makes it a leader among all existing Russian and foreign analogues. For example, some experts compare the complex with the United States fourth-generation destroyer Donald Cook.

To obtain up-to-date intelligence and information on targets, it is possible to interact with various means. It is used to process information about the location, number of the enemy and other data necessary for an accurate strike. To set a combat mission, command and staff vehicles equipped with Russian computers are used, in addition, orders can come from artillery control points.

Depending on the purpose, several modifications were created. Among them, there is an export option aimed at supplying weapons abroad:

• "Iskander - M" - for the Russian army;
• Modification K uses cruise missiles;
• A complex with index E is an option for sale that fully complies with the MTCR.

Experts say that no other modern missile defense system can oppose the tandem of the M and K modifications. In the future, the vehicles will become the basis of the Russian Federation's land-based missile forces. By 2020, 120 units will be delivered to the army.

Combat use

There is no conclusive evidence regarding practical use, but there is some evidence that iskandar was involved in the 2008 conflict between Georgia and Ossetia. A statement about the use of the installation was made by Shota Utiashvili, who then held the post of head of the information and analytical department of the Georgian police. According to his statement, the Russian armed forces used vehicles at facilities in Poti, Gori, as well as along the Baku-Supsa oil pipeline.

DATA FOR 2017 (standard update, v.2)

SPU 9P78-1 with 9M723 ballistic missiles of the 9K720 Iskander-M missile system of the first production brigade set on the day of transfer of equipment to the 107th RBR. Kapustin Yar, 06.28.2013 (http://i-korotchenko.livejournal.com).

Composition and staffing structure of the Iskander-M complex:
The complex includes:
- SPU 9P78-1 for 2 missiles;

SPU 9P78-1 of the Iskander-M complex at a display of military equipment as part of the Ural Arms Exhibition, Nizhny Tagil, 2000 (http://militaryphotos.net).

SPU 9P78-1 with a mock-up of the 9M723 missile. 26th Neman Red Banner Missile Brigade. 10/20/2011 (http://www.mil.ru).

TZM 9T250 / 9T250E for 2 missiles, equipped with a jib crane; According to some unconfirmed data, in an extreme situation the TZM of the complex can launch missiles - probably we are talking about launching from some kind of launch pad in the back of the TZM.
Chassis - MZKT-7930
Calculation - 2 people
Weight - 40000 kg
Crane lifting capacity - 5800 kg
Highway speed - 70 km/h
Fuel range - 1000 km
Overload time for one rocket - 16 minutes

TZM 9T250 (photo and drawing "KBM", drawing - photo from MVSV-2010 from Denis KA, http://forums.airbase.ru)

Loading the SPU of the Iskander-M 9P78-1 complex with the 9T250 TZM with a 9M723 training rocket. The first photo shows TZM 9T250. Demonstration exercises of the 26th Neman Red Banner Missile Brigade. 10/20/2011 (http://www.mil.ru).

Rigging equipment TZM 9T250 of the Iskander-M complex. Kubinka, Army 2015 forum, 06/17/2015 (photo - Sergey Karpukhin, Reuters).

Command and staff vehicle 9S552 / 9S552E on a KamAZ chassis - provides control of fire weapons of a battery or division; provides communication between departments, receiving target designation from external and higher structures;

Calculation - 4 people
Automated workstations - 4

Radio communication range - 50 km (on the march), 350 km (while parked).

Number of communication channels - up to 16

Data transmission and reception speed - up to 16 kbit/s (radio modem, radio stations)

Time standard for calculating a combat mission - 10 s

Time standard for transmitting commands to the PPI - 15 s

Temporary standard for complete deployment and collapse of external antennas - 30 min

Information preparation point 9S920 / 9S920E on the KamAZ-43101 chassis - ensures the preparation of information for striking, prepares information for the correlation type seeker;

Calculation - 4 people
Automated workstations - 2
Number of communication channels - up to 16
Information transmission and reception speed - up to 16 kbit/s (radio modem, radio stations R-168-100KAE "Aqueduct" produced by the Yaroslavl Radio Plant )
Time standard for determining the coordinates of the target point - 30-120 s

The time standard for issuing target designation commands to the SPU is 60 s

Continuous operation time - 48 hours

Vehicle information preparation point 9С920 on the KamAZ-43101 chassis (photo by KBM)

The regulatory and maintenance vehicle on the KamAZ-43101 chassis is used to carry out routine and inspection work on missiles with and without removing them from the container. A study of the missile design shows that routine maintenance on 9M723 type missiles can be carried out in any position - on the launcher, in the TZM, on arsenal equipment carts. Plug connectors for missile testing are located on the front bonding ring.

Calculation - 2 people

Weight - 13500 kg

Deployment time on the move - 20 min

Rocket check time - 18 minutes

Regulatory and maintenance vehicle on KamAZ-43101 chassis (photo by KBM)

Life support vehicle 9T248 on KamAZ-5350 chassis

Life support machine 2T248 (photo by KBM)

Life support machine 2T248 (photo Melnikov A.E., 2015, )

A set of arsenal equipment - containers for transporting and storing warheads and missile units, traverses, carts and cradles.

Standard structure of units with Iskander-M complexes:
The Iskander complexes have been consolidated into missile brigades of 2-3 divisions. it is possible to form a separate missile division. The division includes 2-3 missile batteries, a KShM and a PPI. The missile battery includes 2-3 complexes (2-3 SPU + 1 TZM), KShM. As of 2009, it was announced that there would be 2 battalions in the Russian Armed Forces. According to our assessment, the most likely is a 2-divisional composition of the RBR - in this case, one RBR should contain 8 SPU of the complex, which allows the desired number of RBR to be deployed as quickly as possible in conditions of minimal growth in the production of missiles and systems of the complex.

The first military missile brigade was fully equipped with the complexes in 2010. According to the program for equipping the Russian Armed Forces with new equipment and weapons until 2020, it is planned to equip missile brigades with 12 Iskander-M complexes. This means that a full-fledged brigade includes three missile divisions of 2 batteries, 2 complexes each ().

Brigade kit model 2014-2015 includes:
- 12 launchers
- 12 transport-charging vehicles
- 11 command and staff vehicles
- 14 life support machines
- 1 regulation and maintenance machine
- 1 point of information preparation.
A total of 51 units of equipment. The brigade is also equipped with missile ammunition, an arsenal kit, and training equipment (,).

Price 9M723K5 missiles of the 9K720 Iskander-M complex as of 2009, according to unconfirmed data 123,192,439 rubles ( ist. - www.linux.org.ru).

Status: Russia:

1996 May 10 - the missile and SPU of the complex were shown to Russian President B.N. Yeltsin during his visit to the 4th State Central Test Site of the Russian Defense Ministry Kapustin Yar.

1998 December 25 - The FSB arrested two private entrepreneurs from Kolomna and a KBM employee for attempting to transfer secret documentation on the 9M723 product to Western intelligence services.

2000 July 11 - the Iskander-E complex (on the MZKT-7930 chassis) was presented at the Ural Expo ARMZ-2000 exhibition in Nizhny Tagil. At the exhibition, information was announced that a total of 2 Iskander complexes had been produced by industry and were being tested.

2004 - a contract was concluded for the supply of 18 Iskander-E complexes to Syria, later canceled under pressure from the United States and Israel. It was assumed that delivery would be made in 2007-2008. The plan for the supply of Iskander complexes to the Russian Armed Forces for 2004 is 4 units (division, no confirmation of implementation). A plan for 2005 has been announced - it is planned to put into service 2 Iskander-M complexes.

March 2005 - the first 9K720 complexes entered service with the 630th separate missile division of the 60th Combat Use Center (Kapustin Yar, apparently 2 units, according to media reports it was planned to deliver 3 units in 2005). The full complement of a separate missile division was completed by January 2007. It is planned to begin arming missile brigade complexes: composition - 3 missile divisions, each with three batteries - each with 3 launchers and support equipment - in total, the missile brigade includes 27 complexes and 100 missiles for them . Incl. it is planned to equip the 103rd ORBR of the Siberian Military District and the 107th ORBR of the Far Eastern Military District with the complexes (as of 2009, the re-equipment of these brigades has not begun or is not reported).

July 2006 - Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov stated that in 2007-1015. The Russian Armed Forces will receive 60 Iskander-M complexes and 120 missiles for them (5 missile brigades). Consequently, the composition of the brigade is 2-3 divisions, 2 batteries each, 2 SPUs per battery = most likely, 12 SPUs per RBR.

2006 - the Iskander-M complex was adopted by the Russian Armed Forces. By 2015, it is planned to equip 5 RBRs (individual missile brigades) with the complex and complete the deployment of the group (60 SPU). According to media reports, 4 complexes were delivered to the Russian Armed Forces during the year. Total - maximum, 7 complexes in the Russian Armed Forces (doubtful).

2007 January - completion of the 630th ORDN with Iskander-M complexes produced by Barrikady PA - 2 batteries of 2 complexes each (total - 4 complexes in ORDN and, probably, in the Russian Armed Forces).

May 29, 2007 - Iskander and R-500 missiles were launched at the Kapustin Yar test site (the latter was the first launch). Information appeared in the media about the completion of tests of the Iskander-K complex with the R-500 cruise missile at the Kapustin Yar test site. Range - 500 km, cruising speed - 230-260 m/s, flight duration - 24 minutes, warhead weight 500 kg, CEP - about 1 m, engine - economical turbofan engine, expected to be put into service in 2009. State tests of R- missiles 500 is planned to start in 2008.

SPU 9P78-1 of the 9K720 Iskander-M complex of the 630th missile division. Probably an SPU with a 9M723K5 missile, Kapustin Yar training ground, 08/22/2007 (photo by Vadim Savitsky, http://twower.livejournal.com).

2007 - the media stated that the 92nd separate missile brigade of the Volga-Ural Military District and the 107th separate missile brigade of the Far Eastern Military District began to arm themselves with 9K720 systems. The brigade is expected to be completed by 2011. According to media reports, 4 complexes were delivered to the Russian Armed Forces during the year (the figure 3 units is also found). Total - probably, 7-8 complexes in the Russian Armed Forces.

May 9, 2008 - a missile division of the SPU and TZM Iskander complexes, probably the 630th ORN of the North Caucasus Military District, took part in the parade on Red Square in Moscow.

SPU of the Iskander-M complex at the parade on May 9, 2008 in Moscow (photo by Andrey Kuzmin, taken from the website http://militaryparitet.com)

- 2008 August 12 - there is information, unconfirmed by the Russian side, about the use of the Iskander OTR with a cluster warhead in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict by Russian troops (against the base of a tank battalion in Gori, Georgia). Perhaps the complexes were used by the 630th ORDN of the North Caucasus Military District.

November 5, 2008 - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev made a statement that it is planned to deploy an Iskander missile brigade in the Kaliningrad region to neutralize US missile defense systems that were supposed to be deployed in Poland.

December 2008 - production plans for 2009-2011 were announced. - it is planned to supply 30 Iskander missiles to the Russian Armed Forces (and probably 4 complexes per year).

2008 - according to media reports, 4 complexes were delivered to the Russian Armed Forces during the year (the figure 3 units is also found). Total - probably, 10-12 complexes in the Russian Armed Forces (630th ORDN, and probably ORDN of district training centers and 1-2 incomplete RBR).

2009 May 9 - the 630th ORDN of the North Caucasus Military District with a full set of SPU and TZM complexes "Iskander-M" took part in the parade on Red Square in Moscow.

2009 June 17 - Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Nikolai Makarov stated that the rearmament of units of the North Caucasus Military District and the Kaliningrad Special Region will be completed by 2012.

September 19, 2009 - Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia Vladimir Popovkin in an interview with the Ekho Moskvy radio station stated that after the United States refused to deploy a missile defense system in Europe, a decision was made not to deploy Iskander missile systems in the Kaliningrad region.

September 29, 2009 - Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces, Army General Vladimir Boldyrev, announced that Iskander missile brigades would arrive in all military districts of Russia. The first brigade will be fully staffed in 2010.

2009 October 20 - a notice was published about an open competition for the right to conclude an agreement to carry out work on the development of design documentation: "Reconstruction and technical re-equipment of the FSUE Votkinsk Plant, Votkinsk, Udmurt Republic, to ensure serial production of Iskander-M products ". The estimated cost of re-equipment of production is 308 million rubles, the completion date of the re-equipment according to the plan is 2012.

November 6, 2009 - the head of the missile forces and artillery of the Russian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Sergei Bogatinov, announced that one of the missile brigades of the Russian ground forces by the end of 2010 will be completely re-equipped with Iskander-M operational-tactical missile systems.

November 12, 2009 - in his annual message to the Federal Assembly, President Dmitry Medvedev stated that in 2010 the Russian Armed Forces will receive 5 Iskander complexes. Previously, officials stated that in 2010 it is planned to purchase 3 complexes and 13 missiles for them.

2009 end of the year - according to media reports, during the year 4 complexes were delivered to the Russian Armed Forces (at least 3 units according to our estimate). Total - probably 8-9-16 complexes in the Russian Armed Forces (taking into account possible failures to fulfill plans in previous years).

- 2010 February 25 - Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces, Colonel General Alexander Postnikov, stated that during 2010 the missile brigade of the Leningrad Military District (meaning the 26th RBR) will be armed with Iskander complexes.

July 17, 2010 - Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces, Colonel General Alexander Postnikov, announced that the missile brigade of the Leningrad Military District received the first Iskander OTR complex.

December 14, 2010 - Commander of the Western Military District Arkady Bakhin announced that the Western Military District had adopted Iskander missile systems. Later () information appeared that in 2010 the armament of 12 Iskander-M complexes of the first military missile brigade was completed.

Probably the 630th ORDN is preparing for the parade on Red Square in Moscow, 05/09/2011 (montage of photographs by Renat Dunyashov, http://taek.livejournal.com).

- 2011 August 1 - Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia D. Bulgakov stated that in total it is planned to accept 120 Iskander complexes (12 per brigade) into service with the Russian Armed Forces. It also became known that the 26th RBR is fully equipped with Iskander complexes, and also that in 2010, 6 Iskander complexes were delivered to the Russian Armed Forces.

2011 August 4 - signing of contract Z/3/1/24-11-DGOZ for the supply of Iskander-M missile systems in brigade sets of two sets per year ()

2011 September 22 - during the command and staff exercises "Center-2011", held including at the 4th Main Central Interspecific Test Site Kapustin Yar, group launches of the Iskander-M, " " and MLRS "Smerch" were carried out. A total of two missiles similar to the 9M723K5 missiles were launched.

Operation of the SPU 9P78-1 battery during a group launch of the OTR type 9M723K5 or similar 9K720 Iskander-M complex during the Tsentr-2011 exercises, Kapustin YaR training ground, 09/22/2011 (http://www.mil.ru ).

Launches from SPU 9P78-1 of the 9K720 Iskander-M complex, Kapustin Yar training ground, 08/22/2011 (photo by Vadim Savitsky, http://twower.livejournal.com).

Group launch of OTR type 9M723K5 or similar complexes 9K720 "Iskander-M" and OTR 9M79 complexes 9K79-1 "Tochka-U" during the exercises "Center-2011", Kapustin Yar training ground, 08/22/2011 (http://www .mil.ru).

- 2011 October 5 - a photo of the SPU 9P78-1 from the 26th Missile Brigade appeared on the Internet.

- 2011 October 11 - at the Kapustin Yar test site, a test launch of a missile with a new type of combat equipment was carried out with one of the experimental SPU 9P78-1 of the 9K720 Iskander-M complex. Over the entire period of its operation, 27 missile launches were carried out from this SPU.

October 21, 2011 - Information appeared in the media that the 26th Missile Brigade (Luga, Western Military District) was re-equipped with 9K720 Iskander-M systems. Several media reports say that the first brigade of the Russian Armed Forces is armed with Iskander-M complexes.

November 14, 2011 - the media reported a successful test of the 9M723 missile with a correlation optical seeker. KVO is called at the level of 5 meters. In 2012, the tested complex with a new type of missile will be transferred from the 60th combat use center in Kapustin Yar to the 26th Neman Missile Brigade (Luga).

July 3, 2012 - RIA Novosti, citing the Russian President, reports that by 2020, as part of the State Armaments Program, 10 Iskander-M “brigade missile systems” will be delivered to the ground forces. We are probably talking about brigade kits. According to media reports, one brigade set includes 12 SPU complexes.

2012 September 17-23 - the Caucasus-2012 maneuvers are planned to be held at the Prudboy, Kapustin Yar, Ashuluk and Raevskoye training grounds, within the framework of which it is planned, incl. carrying out firing of combat missiles of the Iskander complex ().

November 22, 2012 - on the official website of the Ministry of Defense it is reported that Iskander missile systems were delivered to parts of the Southern Military District in the Volgograd Region and Krasnodar Territory during 2012.

February 9, 2013 - Commander of the 20th Army of the Western Military District, Major General Alexander Lapin, told the media that the Iskander-M complexes () will soon enter service with the army.

February 12, 2013 - Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces, Colonel General Vladimir Chirkin, inspected the Mikhailovsky Military Artillery Academy, where specialists are trained to work on the Iskander missile systems ().

SPU 9P78-1 of the Iskander-M missile system, Moscow, preparation for the parade, May 7, 2013 (photo - pfc-joker, http://pfc-joker.livejournal.com).

- 2013 May 15 - information appeared in the media with reference to a representative of the Ministry of Defense about plans to deploy Iskander-M missile systems at the 102nd Russian military base in Gyumri (Armenia).

2013 June 24 - Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Yuri Borisov announced that in 2013 the delivery of the “first brigade sets of complexes” will begin. Previously, manufacturers of various elements of the Iskander complex supplied their products to the troops independently: command and staff vehicles, launchers, as well as missile warheads and launch vehicles were supplied separately. “In 2013, it is planned to deliver the first brigade sets (Iskander OTRK),” Borisov told RIA Novosti.

- 2013 September 22 - the missile brigade of the Western Military District (probably the 26th Neman Red Banner Missile Brigade, Luga) carried out successful training firing of the Iskander-M missile system ().

RK "Iskander-M" at shooting in Luga, Leningrad region. The second frame shows cloudy conditions from shooting the rope clip. 09.22.2013 (footage from the Zvezda TV channel, http://function.mil.ru).

- 2013 October 07 - The Ministry of Defense reports that by the end of the year the Iskander-M missile launchers will arrive in parts of the Southern Military District.

November 14, 2013 - at the Kapustin Yar training ground, a brigade set of Iskander-M missile systems () was handed over to the personnel of one of the missile brigades of the Russian Ground Forces. The brigade kit was transferred to the brigade of the Southern Military District. In general, starting from 2013, it is planned to transfer two brigade sets per year to the armed forces ().

SPU 9P78-1 with 9M723 ballistic missiles and R-500 cruise missiles of the 9K720 Iskander-M missile system of the second serial brigade set on the day of transfer of equipment to the 1st RBR. Kapustin Yar, November 14, 2013 (http://vk34.ru/).

SPU 9P78-1 with R-500 cruise missiles of the 9K720 Iskander-M missile system of the second serial brigade set on the day of transfer of equipment to the 1st RBR. Kapustin Yar, November 14, 2013 (http://vk34.ru/, video report).

- 2013 November 14 - KBM General Designer V.M. Kashin at the ceremony of handing over the brigade set of Iskander-M complexes in Kapustin Yar said that today 5 types of missiles have been created for the complex and 3 more types of missiles are in development () .

December 15, 2013 - the German weekly Bild, with reference to satellite images, reports the deployment of at least 10 Iskander-M missile systems in the Kaliningrad region - in Kaliningrad, as well as along the borders with the Baltic states (). On December 16, in a statement, the Russian Ministry of Defense said: “The deployment areas of Iskander missile divisions on the territory of the Western Military District (WMD) do not contradict international agreements” (). Thus, the fact of missile deployment has not been refuted, but it has not been confirmed either.

2013 December 18 - the first division of the brigade set of Iskander-M complexes arrived in Krasnodar at the location of the 1st Guard. rocket Orsha orders of Suvorov and Kutuzov brigade (formerly 114th RBR,).

December 19, 2013 - at a press conference it was stated that the decision on the deployment of Iskander-M missile systems in Kaliningrad has not yet been made. Thus, it is likely that there were either no missile systems at all or they were temporarily located in the Kaliningrad region.

February 11, 2014 - The media report on the ongoing development of a new missile for the Iskander-M complex by the KBM without specifying the specifications of the missile ().

July 8, 2014 - a brigade set of Iskander-M missile systems (12 SPU, ) was handed over to the missilemen of the Western Military District in Kapustin Yar.

May 20, 2015 - The leadership of Ukraine states in the media that 10 Iskander-M missile systems are deployed in Crimea (the area of ​​the village of Shchelkovo - Cape Kazantip and the city of Krasnoperekopsk). The first mention of the deployment in the Ukrainian media dates back to December 2014. According to media reports, a total of 3 missile divisions are planned to be deployed. Additional deployment points are the city of Dzhankoy and the village of Chernomorskoye ().

2015, end of July - a missile brigade stationed in the Krasnodar Territory (probably the 1st Guards Missile Brigade) will conduct exercises at the Karustin Yar training ground with combat launches of Iskander-M missiles at a range of up to 300 km ().

2015 September 15 - at the Kapustin Yar training ground, the crew of the missile formation of the Southern Military District carried out combat launches of Iskander-M missiles at targets 300 km away ().

October 30, 2015 - the R-500 cruise missile of the Iskander-M complex was launched at the Kapustin Yar training ground. The launch was carried out as part of an exercise for the strategic forces control system of the Russian Armed Forces (http://mil.ru).

Launch of the R-500 cruise missile of the Iskander-M complex from the Kapustin Yar training ground as part of the exercise of the strategic forces control system of the Russian Armed Forces, October 30, 2015 (video footage from the Russian Ministry of Defense, http://mil.ru).

Still from the TV show “Serving Russia!” TV channel "Zvezda" dated March 27, 2016, which depicts an object similar to SPU 9P78-1 of the 9K720 Iskander-M complex on the territory of the Khmeimim airbase, Syria.

- 2016 April 19 - as part of military exercises at the Kapustin Yar training ground, the Iskander-M OTRK cruise missile was launched. The missile hit the target at a distance of 200 km from the launch point. The military camp training took about a month. The launch of Iskander-M was the final point in a large-scale training, in which more than 400 military personnel and 70 pieces of military equipment took part ().

2016 June 28 - another brigade set of Iskander-M complexes (51 vehicles) was transferred to the missile forces of the ground forces of the Eastern District (5th Combined Arms Army) at the Kapustin Yar training ground ().

Receipt of complexes"Iskander" / "Iskander-M" in the Russian Armed Forces* (version dated June 28, 2016):

Year	Admission	Total	Source of information, note
2004	plan 4 fact 0	0
2005	plan 2-3 fact 3	3	March 2005, entered service with the 630th separate missile division of the 60th Combat Use Center (Kapustin Yar)
2006	plan - 4?	4 ?	according to media reports, the data is questionable
2007	plan - 3-4 fact - 0?	4	in January, the installation of 4 Iskander-M complexes of the 630th order was completed,
2008	plan - 3-4 fact - 3	7	data on supplies of complexes from the media
2009	plan - 3-4 fact - 3	10	data on supplies of complexes from the media
2010	plan 3 fact 6	16	Statement by Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia D. Bulgakov 08/01/2011. Perhaps 6 complexes - total supply 2009-2010.
2011	plan 6? fact - 0	16	Analysis and serial production were not carried out at JSC Votkinsk Plant. Perhaps there were no supplies.
2012	plan 6? fact - 0	16	Analysis, serial production at Votkinsk Plant OJSC is planned for the amount of 2.4 billion rubles, the complexes are expected to be delivered to the 20th Army of the Western Military District. Perhaps there were no supplies.
2013	plan - 24 fact - 24	40	- 06/28/2013 the first of two (in 2013) brigade sets of the missile system was transferred to the ground forces - 12 SPU (3 divisions of 2 batteries and 2 SPU each) - 107 ORB (Birobidzhan). It is stated that the delivery of “brigade sets of complexes” will begin in 2013 and that the completion of the armament program for 10 missile brigades is possible before 2018. - 11/14/2013 - the second brigade set of complexes produced in 2013 was transferred to the Kapustin Yar missile brigade of the Southern Military District - the 1st Guards Orsha Missile Order of Suvorov and Kutuzov brigade (Krasnodar).
2014	plan - 24 fact - 24 (11/18/2014)	64	On July 8, a brigade set of Iskander-M complexes (112th Guards Missile Brigade (Shuya)) was transferred to the Western Military District.
2015	plan - 24 fact - 24 (11/18/2015)	88	Assumption according to the statement of the management of KBM dated June 28, 2013. July 15 - a brigade set of Iskander-M complexes was transferred to the 103rd separate missile Red Banner Order of Kutuzov and Bogdan Khmelnitsky brigade of the 36th combined arms army of the Eastern Military District, stationed in Ulan-Ude. The transfer took place in Kapustin Yar.
2016	plan - 24 fact - 12 (06/28/2016)	112	Assumption according to the statement of the management of KBM dated June 28, 2013. June 28 - the brigade set was transferred to the brigade of the 5th Combined Arms Army of the Eastern District. November 11 - it is planned to transfer another brigade set to the Russian Armed Forces (the 8th in a row)
2017	plan - 12?	124	Assumption according to the statement of the management of KBM dated June 28, 2013.
2018		120	Possible implementation of plans for 2011 according to the statement of the KBM management dated June 28, 2013.
2020	plan +40?	120	by the specified date, according to the statement dated 07/03/2012.

* - estimated data are in italics

As part of the Russian Armed Forces According to our data, they are armed with Iskander / Iskander-M complexes (data as of 11/09/2016, incomplete):

Military unit	Military district	Number of SPU	Start acquisition	Completion acquisition	Explanations
630th separate missile division of the 60th Combat Use Center (Znamensk-6, Kapustin Yar training ground)	Southern District (formerly North Caucasian), subordination of the part - central	4	March 2005	January 2007	the first part armed with 9K720 complexes July 2014 is the planned commissioning date for park equipment storage facilities in Znamensk 13017 and 13021 (Spetsstroy of Russia, reference report).
26th Neman Red Banner Missile Brigade of the 6th Army (Luga), military unit 54006	Western District (formerly Leningradsky)	12	2008/2009 (plan 2007) really - July 2010	plan - 2012 (based on indirect evidence, 2009-2010) July 2011 (fact) 10/21/2011 (announced in the media)	2009 - according to media reports, completed, 2010 is planned to be completely re-equipped. The brigade was fully equipped with Iskander systems in July 2011. On August 22, 2011, brigade personnel and possibly 2 or 4 SPU took part in training launches at the Kapustin Yar training ground as part of the Center-2011 exercise. in 2012, complexes with 9M723 missiles with optical correlation seekers will be transferred to the brigade (not confirmed). July 2014 is the planned commissioning date for the park equipment storage facility 1/L-25 (Spetsstroy of Russia, reference report).
107th separate missile brigade of the 35th Army (Birobidzhan / Semistochny village)	Eastern (formerly Far Eastern)	12	2007 (2005 plans)	2011 (plan) 06/28/2013 (fact)	It was announced that recruitment would begin in March 2005. On June 28, 2013, the transfer of the first complete brigade set of Iskander-M complexes to the brigade was completed. July 2014 is the planned commissioning date for the park storage facility for equipment P-3/11 (Spetsstroy of Russia, reference report).
1st Guards Rocket Orsha Order of Suvorov and Kutuzov Brigade of the 49th Army (formerly 114th RBR, Krasnodar)	Southern District (formerly North Caucasian)	12	2012	2012 (plan) November 14, 2013 (fact)	2011 - the missile brigade was reassigned to the 49th Combined Arms Army () RBR of the 2nd division composition, according to our assessment, on November 22, 2012, the website of the Ministry of Defense reported that in 2012, deliveries of the Iskander missile system began to parts of the Southern Military District The first division (out of three) arrived at the place of deployment in the village of Molkino on December 17, 2013 () July 2014 is the planned date for commissioning the park equipment storage facility in the villages of Molkino 13009 and Mozdok 13011 (Spetsstroy of Russia, reference report).
112th Guards Rocket Brigade (Shuya) 1st Tank Army	Western District (formerly Moscow)	12	2014	07/08/2014 (fact)	The re-equipment of the unit was planned for 2009. 07/08/2014 A brigade set of Iskander-M complexes was transferred to the missile unit of the Western Military District in Kapustin Yar. February 2015 is the planned commissioning date for the park storage facility for equipment 107/603 (Spetsstroy of Russia, reference report).
92nd Missile Brigade (Totskoye-2, Orenburg, formerly Kamenka near Penza) of the 2nd Combined Arms Army	Privolzhsko-Uralsky	12	It was planned to begin recruitment in 2007	2011 (2010 plan) 11/18/2014 (fact)	Deliveries were planned in 2010 November 18, 2014 A brigade set of Iskander-M complexes was transferred to the missile unit in Kapustin Yar July 2014 is the planned commissioning date for the park equipment storage facility in the village of Totskoye-2 TC-ISK (Spetsstroy of Russia, reference report).
103rd separate rocket Red Banner orders of Kutuzov and Bogdan Khmelnitsky brigade of the 36th combined arms army (Drovyanaya settlement, Ulan-Ude)	Eastern (formerly Siberian)	12	no data	plan - 2015 until the end of the year () 07/15/2015	It was announced that recruitment would begin in March 2005. On July 15, 2015, a brigade set of Iskander-M complexes was transferred to the missile unit in Kapustin Yar - 51 units. technology
12th (new) missile brigade as part of the 58th combined arms army (Mozdok, )	Southern	12	no data	until the end of 2015 Kuwait - as of 2008, negotiations are underway on possible supplies (Rosoboronexport, interview with N. Dimidyuk); Malaysia - according to Rosoboronexport (interview with N. Dimidyuk) is interested in supplying the Iskander-E OTR. The United Arab Emirates - according to Rosoboronexport (interview with N. Dimidyuk) is interested in supplying the Iskander-E OTR. Saudi Arabia: - June 2015 - according to media reports, the Saudi delegation visited the Army-2015 exhibition of military equipment with the aim of negotiating the acquisition of Iskander-E missile systems. KBM representatives stated that there are no plans to export the complexes until 2016 (). Singapore - as of 2008, negotiations are underway on possible supplies (Rosoboronexport, interview with N. Dimidyuk); Syria - 2004 - a contract was concluded for the supply of Iskander-E to Syria, later canceled by President Vladimir Putin under pressure from the United States and Israel. It was assumed that delivery would be made in 2007-2008. In February 2007, information appeared about a likely supply starting in 2007 through Belarus Http://www.gosniimash.ru http://test.rosb.ru, 2010 Forum http://www.linux.org.ru/forum, 2009 Shirokorad A.B., Atomic ram of the twentieth century. M., Veche, 2005 Shunkov V.N., Missile weapons. Minsk, Potpourri, 2003 GlobalSecurity.org. Website http://www.globalsecurity.org, 2010 Kotrba Stepan, Visinger Lukas, Ruske balisticke rakety. //ATM. No. 12 / 2008 Czech Republic. Zaloga Steven J., Scud Ballistic Missile and Launch Systems 1955-2005. Osprey Publishing. 2006

Designed to engage combat units in conventional equipment against small-sized and area targets deep in the operational formation of enemy troops.

Conditions for creating the complex

The operational-tactical missile system (OTRK) "Iskander" ("Iskander-E" - for export, "Iskander-M" - for the Russian army) was created under the conditions of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) and the refusal to use nuclear in theaters of military operations by opposing sides. In this regard, the complex was created taking into account such fundamentally new requirements for newly developed missile systems, such as: refusal to use nuclear weapons and the use of warheads only in conventional equipment, ensuring high firing accuracy, control of the missile along the entire (most part) of its trajectory flight, the ability to install warheads on a missile, taking into account the type of targets to be hit, a high degree of automation in the processes of information exchange and control of combat work.
At the same time, the complex must be able to use data from global satellite navigation systems (Glonass, NAVSTAR), hit moving and stationary targets with a high degree of protection, have increased fire performance, and effectively overcome enemy air and missile defense systems.

The new Russian OTRK fully meets the above requirements, as shown by its preliminary tests with combat missile launches in June 2007. Thus, when reporting to the President of the Russian Federation, Deputy Prime Minister S. Ivanov noted that the launch of the new rocket was successful, and its deviation from the intended impact point did not exceed one meter. This was confirmed by control data obtained from various means of objective control.

The complex was developed by the cooperation of research institutes, design bureaus and enterprises under the leadership of the Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau (KBM, Kolomna). This design bureau is known as the creator of the Tochka, Tochka-U, Oka missile systems, portable anti-aircraft systems (such as Strela-2, Strela-3, Igla) and other weapons.
The launcher of the complex was developed by the Titan Design Bureau (Volgograd), the missile homing system was developed by the Central Research Institute of Automation and Hydraulics (Moscow).

Purpose

The mobile high-precision operational-tactical missile system (OTRK) is designed to destroy small-sized and area targets with conventional combat units in the depths of the operational formation of enemy troops.
The goals may be:
· various means of fire destruction (missile systems, multiple launch rocket systems, long-range artillery);
· missile defense and air defense systems;
· airplanes and helicopters at airfields;
· command posts and communication centers;
· critical civil infrastructure facilities;
· other important small-sized and area targets on enemy territory.
High mobility and short preparation time for launching missiles ensure the secret preparation of the Iskander OTRK for combat use.

Compound

The main elements that make up the Iskander OTRK are: a missile, a self-propelled launcher, a transport-loading vehicle, a routine maintenance vehicle, a command and staff vehicle, an information preparation point, a set of arsenal equipment, and training facilities.

The Iskander complex missile is a solid-fuel, single-stage, with a warhead that cannot be separated in flight, guided and energetically maneuvered throughout the entire difficult-to-predict flight path. It maneuvers especially actively during the starting and final stages of the flight, during which it approaches the target with a high (20-30 units) overload. This necessitates an anti-missile flight to intercept an Iskander OTRK missile with an overload 2-3 times greater, which is currently practically impossible.

Most of the flight path of the Iskander missile, made using stealth technology with a small reflective surface, passes at an altitude of 50 km, which also significantly reduces the likelihood of it being hit by the enemy. The “invisibility” effect is achieved due to the combination of design features of the rocket and the treatment of its surface with special coatings.

To launch the missile to the target, an inertial control system is used, which is subsequently captured by an autonomous correlation-extreme optical homing head (GOS). The operating principle of the missile homing system is based on the formation by optical equipment of the seeker of an image of the terrain in the target area, which the on-board computer compares with the standard entered into it when preparing the missile for launch. The optical homing head is characterized by increased sensitivity and resistance to existing electronic warfare systems, which makes it possible to launch missiles on moonless nights without additional natural illumination and hit a moving target with an error of plus or minus two meters. Currently, except for the Iskander OTRK, no other similar missile system in the world can solve this problem.

It is characteristic that the optical homing system used in the rocket does not require corrective signals from space radio navigation systems, which in crisis situations can be disabled by radio interference or simply turned off. The integrated use of an inertial control system with satellite navigation equipment and an optical seeker made it possible to create a missile that can hit a given target in almost any possible conditions.

The homing head installed on the Iskander OTRK missile can be installed on ballistic and cruise missiles of various classes and types.

To engage various types of targets, the missile can be equipped with ten types of warheads (cluster warhead with non-contact fragmentation warheads, cluster warhead with cumulative warheads, cluster warhead with self-aiming warheads, cluster warhead with volume-detonating action, high-explosive fragmentation warhead, high-explosive -incendiary warhead, penetrating to great depths of the warhead). The cassette warhead deploys at an altitude of 0.9-1.4 km, where combat elements of various effects are separated from it and continue their stabilized flight. They are equipped with radio sensors that ensure they are detonated at a height of 6-10 m above the target.

The launch mass of the rocket is 3800 kg, the payload mass is 480 kg.

A self-propelled launcher (SPU) is used to store and transport two missiles, pre-launch them and launch them at a target in a sector of ±90 degrees relative to the direction of its position on the ground. The autonomous SPU is placed on an 8x8 all-terrain wheeled chassis (MAZ-79306 “Astrologer”), which ensures its high mobility.
To ensure information exchange, the SPU is equipped with combat control and communications equipment.

The SPU provides automatic determination of its coordinates, data exchange with all control levels, combat duty, storage and preparation of missiles for launch when they are in a horizontal position, as well as their single and salvo launch. The time the SPU spends at the launch position from the start of preparation to the start of movement after the missile launch does not exceed 20 minutes, with the interval between the launches of the 1st and 2nd missiles no more than one minute.

To launch rockets, launching positions that are specially prepared in engineering and geodetic terms are not required. The launch of missiles can be carried out in the “ready from the march” mode - the launcher occupies the site (except for swampy areas and shifting sands) from the march, the crew prepares and launches the missile without leaving the cabin. After the missiles are launched, the SPU goes to a reloading point with new missiles and is ready to launch a second missile strike from any launch position.

Gross weight - 42 tons, payload - 19 tons, speed on the highway (dirt road) 70 (40) km/h, fuel range - 1000 km. Calculation – 3 people.

The transport-loading vehicle (TZM) is designed to store two missiles, transport them and load the SPU. The TZM is located on the MAZ-79306 (“Astrologer”) chassis and is equipped with a crane. Full combat weight - 40,000 kg, crew - 2 people.

The command and staff vehicle (CSV) is designed to provide automated control of the Iskander OTRK. It is unified for all control units and placed on the wheeled chassis of KAMAZ family vehicles. The use of KShM at the command and control level of a missile brigade, missile division, or launch battery is ensured through programs and their appropriate settings during operation. Information exchange between various elements of the complex can be carried out in open and closed modes.

Main characteristics: number of automated workstations – 4, maximum radio communication range while stationary (on the move) – 350 (50) km, task calculation time for missiles – up to 10 s, command transmission time – up to 15 s, number of communication channels – up to 16 , deployment (collapse) time – up to 30 minutes, continuous operation time – 48 hours.
The regulation and maintenance vehicle (MRTO) is located on the wheeled chassis of a Kamaz family vehicle and is intended for routine checks of on-board equipment of missiles placed on TZM (as well as in containers), checks of instruments included in group sets of spare parts for complex elements and routine repairs missiles by the MRTO crew.

The mass of the vehicle is 13.5 tons, the deployment time does not exceed 20 minutes, the time of the automated cycle of routine checks of the on-board equipment of the rocket is 18 minutes, the crew is 2 people.

The information preparation point (IPP) is designed to determine the coordinates of the target, prepare the necessary information and bring it to the self-propelled launcher.

The PPI has two automated workstations, ensures determination of target coordinates and bringing them to the control system in no more than 2 and 1 minutes, respectively. Capable of continuous combat work for 16 hours.

The life support vehicle is designed to accommodate combat crews (up to 8 people), rest and eat.

Features of the complex
OTRK "Iskander" was created using modern scientific, technical and design achievements in the field of development of operational-tactical missile systems. In terms of the totality of implemented technical solutions and high combat effectiveness, today it is a high-precision weapon of a new generation, which in its tactical and technical characteristics surpasses the existing domestic missile systems Scud-B, Tochka-U, as well as foreign analogues Lance, ATACMS, Pluton and others.

The main features of the Iskander type OTRK are:
· high-precision effective destruction of various types of targets;
· the ability to covertly carry out combat duty, prepare for combat use and launch missile strikes;
· automatic calculation and input of flight missions for missiles when placing them on the launcher;
· high probability of completing a combat mission in the face of active enemy opposition;
· high operational reliability of the rocket and its reliability during preparation for launch and in flight;
· high tactical maneuverability due to the placement of combat vehicles on off-road all-wheel drive chassis;
· high strategic mobility, which is ensured by the ability to transport combat vehicles by all types of transport, including aviation;
· high degree of automation of the process of combat control of missile units;
· fast processing and timely delivery of intelligence information to the necessary management levels;
· long service life and ease of use.

The Iskander missile system, in terms of its tactical and technical characteristics, fully complies with the requirements of the Missile Technology Non-Proliferation Control Regime. It is a “weapon of deterrence” in local conflicts, and for countries with limited territory - a strategic weapon. The structure of the complex, its control systems, automated combat control and information support make it possible to quickly respond to new requirements without significant modification of its combat assets and, as a result, guarantee it a long life cycle.

OTRK "Iskander" is integrated with various reconnaissance and control systems. It is capable of receiving information about a target designated for destruction from a satellite, reconnaissance aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicle (of the Reis-D type) to the information preparation point (PPI). It calculates the flight mission for the rocket and prepares reference information for the rockets. This information is transmitted via radio channels to the command and staff vehicles of the division commanders and batteries, and from there to the launchers. Commands to launch missiles can come from the command gun or from the control posts of senior artillery commanders.

Placing two missiles on each SPU and TZM significantly increases the firepower of missile divisions, and a one-minute interval between missile launches against different targets ensures high fire performance.
In terms of its effectiveness, taking into account its total combat capabilities, the Iskander operational-tactical missile system is equivalent to a nuclear weapon.