Experience in using the Iskander-M OTRK in Special Operations
Iskander with a ballistic missile in position, January 2024.
From the first days of the Special Operation, missile units troop and artillery actively use the 9K720 Iskander-M operational-tactical missile systems. They are used to carry out high-precision strikes on various objects over a significant part of the territory of Ukraine, thereby inflicting serious damage on the enemy. During real combat use, the Iskanders confirmed their calculated characteristics and helped to accumulate useful experience.
Combat application
Iskander-M complexes and their crews have been participating in the Special Operation from its very beginning. Iskander ballistic and cruise missiles became one of the means of the first demilitarization strike against Ukrainian military targets on the morning of February 24, 2022. According to various sources, dozens of self-propelled launchers were involved in these launches. In total, they launched up to a hundred missiles and hit a corresponding number of targets.
Just a few days later, there were further reports of similar massive strikes. Subsequently, Iskander missile launches became a familiar and regular occurrence. Reports of the use of such OTRK are still constantly coming in - missiles are used daily or with minimal interruptions. Single launches against specific targets and full-fledged massive attacks are carried out.
Reloading a TPK with a cruise missile onto a launcher
Depending on the assigned tasks, Iskander tactical missile systems operate near the contact line or in the rear at the required distance from the front. Having received an order and data about the target, they move to established positions, from where they launch a missile/missiles and immediately leave for a safe place. This method of combat work provides the required level of efficiency, speed and safety.
Considering the intensity of use, it can be assumed that by now our missile defense forces have used up at least several thousand Iskander cruise and ballistic missiles. The appropriate number of targets are hit. Almost all missiles successfully break through to their targets. Only individual products do not fulfill the assigned task for technical reasons or are intercepted by the enemy. However, the lack of noticeable results does not prevent the Ukrainian air defense from issuing joyful and optimistic reports.
During actual combat use, the Iskander-M OTRK once again confirmed its calculated characteristics and showed its full potential. A lot of positive experience has been accumulated. It is obvious that the combat work of such complexes and their crews will continue. They will have to launch new strikes, single and massive, against various targets at tactical and operational depth. In fact, the Iskanders will not be left without work until the victory.
Preparing for the launch of the 9M728 product
Circle of tasks
The Ministry of Defense regularly reports on the use of the Iskander-M tactical missile system and the destruction of various targets. Objective control footage taken by reconnaissance UAVs is often published. In addition, similar materials are received through unofficial channels. All this data allows us to understand exactly how, for what purposes and with what results Iskander missiles are used.
The Iskander-M OTRK includes two types of missiles. Depending on the characteristics of the selected target, a ballistic missile or a cruise missile is used. Both products have a flight range of 500 km, but differ in trajectory and other application features. However, they carry similar combat equipment.
Launches are regularly carried out against concentrations of manpower and equipment in open areas or under the cover of natural camouflage. Depending on the type of target, missiles of both models with high-explosive fragmentation or cluster combat equipment are used for this purpose. With a warhead mass of 480 kg and high guidance accuracy, maximum damage to the enemy is ensured.
The monoblock high-explosive fragmentation warhead has also proven itself to be an effective means of hitting targets inside buildings and structures. The destruction of manpower in locations, equipment parks, etc. was repeatedly demonstrated. Iskanders also make a certain contribution to the destruction of energy and military-industrial facilities.
An Iskander missile hits a Ukrainian air defense system during deployment, March 2024.
Of particular importance in this context is the use of OTRK missiles against missile, artillery and other weapons depots. Iskander ammunition not only destroys the very structure of this kind, incl. and in the absence of a direct hit, but also cause detonation of the reserves stored in it. In this case, secondary explosions become an additional damaging factor.
Iskanders have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to hit mobile targets. Since the spring of 2022, they have been tasked with the elimination of detected enemy missile and artillery systems. Proper organization of combat work and good preparation of crews make it possible to strike before the target leaves the position. In particular, it was Russian OTRKs that caused significant damage to the Ukrainian fleet of older Tochka TRCs.
Enemy radar and anti-aircraft weapons can be an equally difficult target. Such samples are able to notice a threat in the form of an incoming missile and respond to it. Nevertheless, Russian OTRK missiles regularly break through defenses and hit the systems that carry them out. In some cases, we are talking about the destruction of mobile systems that had a theoretical opportunity to escape from attack.
In general, the Iskander-M OTRK with different types of missiles demonstrates high combat qualities. It is characterized by relative ease of operation and high tactical and technical characteristics. At the same time, the industry maintains a high rate of missile production, due to which missile defense forces can influence the enemy in accordance with current requirements.
Strike on the command post of an anti-aircraft missile brigade in the Kharkov region, May 2024.
Factors of success
The current successes of the Iskanders in real combat conditions are directly related to several main factors. In general, we are talking about the successful design of the entire complex and its individual means, effective missiles, etc. In addition, a high level of preparation of calculations is of great importance. Some of the advantages of the Iskander were known earlier, almost from the time of its first demonstration. Other important features became public knowledge only during the Special Operation.
OTRK "Iskander-M" is made mobile. All its equipment is placed on a special chassis and can be moved along the road and across terrain. High mobility is ensured, and the complex can quickly reach or leave a given firing position, going into cover and/or to reload. All procedures, both recharging and starting, take minimal time.
The launcher of the complex has high performance characteristics and increased payload capacity, thanks to which it can carry two missiles at once - unlike other domestic and foreign OTRKs. This increases fire performance and allows you to perform two launches with a minimum interval, incl. for different purposes.
The complex includes two types of missiles. The 9M723 type quasi-ballistic product is widely used. The use of the 9M728 cruise missile has also been repeatedly noted. According to known data, both products have a flight range of up to 500 km and carry 480 kg warheads. Guidance is carried out using inertial and satellite navigation.
Iskander strike on the area where one of the Ukrainian formations was restoring combat capability, May 2024.
The 9M723 product is a ballistic missile with all its characteristic features. The flight to the maximum range takes no more than a few minutes, and on the downward part of the trajectory the rocket accelerates to high supersonic speeds. All this reduces the time available to the enemy and reduces the likelihood of his successful reaction. At the same time, throughout the flight, the 9M723 performs maneuvers, making interception difficult.
The 9M728 cruise missile flies at subsonic speed, which increases the flight duration. At the same time, it is capable of moving at a minimum height while bending around the terrain. This makes it difficult to detect and intercept it in a timely manner.
After the start of the Special Operation, it became known that the Iskander-M quasi-ballistic missile has missile defense penetration capabilities. According to various sources, it is equipped with a jamming station and drops false targets with similar devices. The use of these means greatly complicates the detection, tracking and destruction of a real missile. It is likely that the 9M728 cruise missile also has a breakthrough support system, but its composition and functions are unknown.
OTRK combat crew at work
The effectiveness of the Iskander-M is determined not only by its own components, but also by auxiliary means. Thus, UAVs of various types are now actively used for reconnaissance of targets and determination of their coordinates. Information about targets is transmitted to the complex via the tactical control system. After the strike, UAV- the intelligence officer can monitor its results and, if necessary, provide adjustments. In addition, video materials from UAVs are often published on official resources of the Ministry of Defense or appear in other sources.
Proven by practice
The main combat capabilities of the Iskander line of OTRKs with all standard missiles and auxiliary equipment have been repeatedly demonstrated in the past during various exercises. Since February 24, 2022, these complexes have been participating in real combat operations and fully confirm expectations, and also show previously unknown abilities. With the help of Iskanders, RV&A units successfully strike various enemy targets at considerable depth and thereby participate in the general issues of demilitarization of the Kyiv regime.
Over the past two-plus years, Iskander-M has established itself as a successful and effective means of combating a variety of targets, from manpower to infrastructure. At the same time, the ability to break through air defense and missile defense and solve even difficult fire missions is demonstrated. It is obvious that such successful systems will remain in operation and will continue to contribute to future victory. In addition, it can be expected that the experience currently being gained will be used in the further modernization of the existing OTRK with obvious positive consequences.
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