The first Iskander tactical surface-to-surface ballistic missile system has entered service with the Russian Army’s Western Military District, Russian Army Regional Commander Arkady Bakhin said.

“We are at practically 98% permanent readiness. We are carrying out re-equipment and delivery of new types of weapons,” he added.

Iskander missile system has been designed for tactical strikes on small, high-value land targets, according to RIA Novosti.

The missile system is available in two variants, export variant with a range of 280km and Russian variant with a range of 500km.

Russia has threatened to deploy Iskander in the Kaliningrad region if NATO deploys missile defence systems in Poland without Russian approval.