The Russian operational-tactical missile system "Iskander-M" has undergone another modernization, as a result of which the maximum missile speed has increased to approximately Mach 7, and its capabilities to overcome missile defense have become even higher. This was reported by the foreign specialized publication Defence Security Asia.
The updated 9M723 missile has retained a key feature of the complex – the ability to actively maneuver almost throughout the entire flight. Due to the variable trajectory and high G-forces, its movement is much more difficult to predict compared to classical ballistic missiles.
According to available data, the modernization affected not only flight characteristics but also the control system. It is noted that the complex is capable of using various types of warheads, and high accuracy is ensured by a combination of inertial navigation with additional correction means in the final flight segment.
The publication's experts note that increasing the speed to approximately Mach 7 reduces the flight time to the target and narrows the window for missile defense systems to react. At the same time, active maneuvering at various stages of flight remains one of the main features of the "Iskander-M", distinguishing it from most previous generation operational-tactical missiles.
Read more on the topic:
- Hypersonic "Iskander-M" cannot be intercepted even by four Patriot missiles
- Hypersonic "Iskander-M" learned to confuse Patriot with the help of S-400
- The cost of a cruise missile for "Iskander-K" has been named