Russia massively upgrades ballistic missiles for Iskander-M, what's going on?

At least seven different missile variants, carrying various warheads and special types, are currently in production for the system.

An assessment by Ukraine's Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Science (KNDISE) shows a sharp increase in the production of upgraded ballistic missile variants for Russia's Iskander-M system, in response to new orders from the Russian Defense Ministry .

At least seven different variants, carrying a variety of warheads including high-explosive fragmentation, cluster and special warheads, are currently in production for the system, with the 9M723-1F2 variant being ordered in very large numbers.

Launch of ballistic missiles from the Iskander-M system

More than 770 9M723-1F2s have reportedly been acquired, each costing around 192 million rubles ($2.4 million), significantly higher than the estimated cost of previous variants. The new variant is equipped with a modern detonation and fragmentation scheme, making it more effective against area targets.

Each Iskander-M brigade consists of 51 vehicles, including 12 transporter erector launchers (TELs) and 12 resupply vehicles; together they allow for the simultaneous deployment of 48 missiles. This structure facilitates the simultaneous launch of several specialized missiles to destroy targets suitable for the characteristics of each variant.

One of the latest missiles known is the 9M723-1F4, which carries an improved high-explosive fragmentation warhead – likely with a redesigned casing and advanced detonation scheme – to improve its effectiveness against area targets and fortified structures.

In contrast, the least ordered variant is the 9M723-1F1, of which only 59 were built at a cost of about $3 million each; this missile uses a high-explosive penetrator warhead and steel elements to destroy personnel and equipment.

The Russian defense industry has maintained a significantly increased production of Iskander-M missiles during wartime; according to sources, deliveries in 2023 are expected to increase several times compared to previous years, with mid-2023 production reportedly increasing fivefold.

Cluster warhead explosion from Iskander-M strike on Patriot batteries.

The Iskander-M system has been used to neutralize a number of high-value targets: drone imagery has confirmed the destruction of several of Ukraine’s scarce Patriot air defense systems. In addition, the Iskander-M has been used to attack the positions of Western forces supporting Ukraine, as well as to destroy important railway lines, combat airfields and drone launch sites.

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