Russia is set to test-fire Iskander-M long-range missiles, involving the Western Military District and Long-Range Aviation Command, during tactical exercises.
Carried out at an undisclosed location, the exercises aim to train soldiers to engage critical targets with high-precision missiles, and evaluate the readiness of various control systems and equipment responsible for electronic warfare and intelligence gathering, RIA Novosti reported.
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The Russian Defence Ministry press service was quoted by Interfax as saying that the drills will test the organisation of critical facilities of a hypothetical aggressor using ground-based and air-based high-precision weapons.
"The training uses one missile junction of the Western Military District, which is equipped with the Islander-M missile system and long-range aviation planes," the press service said.
"At the final stage, the missile troops will work with the Long-Range Aviation Command on meeting hypothetical targets using ground-based and air-winged missiles at the maximal range."
The tactical exercises are scheduled to conclude on 5 June.
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By GlobalDataIskander-M is an upgraded version of the Russian Army’s 9K720 Iskander mobile-theatre ballistic missile system, which is designed to engage a range of ground targets, including command posts and communications nodes, troops in concentration areas, air and missile defence facilities, and fixed and rotary-wing aircraft at airfields.
Also known as SS-26 Stone, the missile features inertial and optical-guidance systems for improved firing accuracy and an electro-optical (EO) seeker for self-homing capabilities. It has an operational range of 400km with a potential for extension.
The missile was also considered for deployment in the country’s Kaliningrad region to counter any potential threats posed by the US-led Nato anti-missile defence (AMD) shield in Europe, which Moscow fears will lessen its own strike capabilities.
Image: Russian military will test launch Iskander-M missiles during tactical exercises. Photo: courtesy of A.Savin.
