The Russian operational-tactical complex "Iskander-M" has allegedly received a new version of the 9M723-2 missile part. Its distinctive features are said to be the absence of decoys located in the aft section and the appearance of additional antenna modules for the satellite navigation system, MilitaryRussia.Ru reported.
According to the analysis, the 9M723 missile family may include several variants. The basic 9M723 features a characteristic cable channel, while the 9M723-1 received a classic layout with six decoys in the aft section. Presumably, the newer 9M723-2 has a different configuration.
It is precisely this version that is associated with additional satellite navigation antenna modules. At the same time, according to this version, the placement of decoys in the aft section may have been abandoned.
Such a design may indicate a change in the approach to the missile's navigation equipment and its operation in conditions of possible countermeasures against satellite systems.
Separately, analysts consider the earlier attempt to link the 9M723-2 index with the conditionally named OTRK "Iskander-1000" to be erroneous. Therefore, it is likely not a fundamentally new complex, but a possible modernization of an existing missile from the 9M723 family.