Russia Set to Begin Serial Production of Advanced Iskander-1000 Missile System

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Russia is poised to commence mass production of a new and upgraded version of its Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system, which will reportedly feature an extended range of up to 1,000 kilometers, according to Military Watch Magazine.

This marks a significant enhancement over the current 9K720 Iskander, which had a range of only 500 kilometers due to restrictions imposed by the now-defunct Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.

Enhanced Capabilities and Strategic Implications

The extended range of the new missile, likely to be designated as “Iskander-1000,” is expected to be achieved through the integration of a more efficient propulsion system and an estimated 15% increase in fuel capacity.

These modifications will allow Russia to strike deeper into enemy territory, reinforcing its deterrence capabilities and strategic reach.

Military analysts suggest that deploying the Iskander-1000 system in Russia’s westernmost Kaliningrad exclave would give Moscow the ability to target key military and infrastructure assets across Central and Western Europe, as well as the Baltic Sea region.

This development comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between Russia and NATO, raising concerns among Western defense officials about the potential impact on European security.

End of INF Treaty Opens the Door for Extended-Range Missiles

The INF Treaty, signed in 1987 between the United States and the Soviet Union, had prohibited the development and deployment of ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers.

However, the U.S. formally withdrew from the treaty in 2019, citing alleged Russian violations related to the 9M729 missile.

Russia, in turn, denied these accusations and argued that the U.S. withdrawal provided justification for further advancements in its missile arsenal.

With the INF Treaty no longer in effect, both Russia and the United States have been exploring new intermediate-range missile capabilities, increasing the risk of an arms race reminiscent of the Cold War era.

Belarus to Deploy Hypersonic “Oreshnik” Missile System

In parallel to Russia’s Iskander-1000 development, Belarus is preparing to deploy the “Oreshnik” hypersonic missile complex, a move that could further shift the military balance in Eastern Europe.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a staunch ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has announced plans to station at least ten of these advanced missile systems within Belarusian territory.

Lukashenko has framed this deployment as a necessary response to the potential stationing of American missiles in Europe.

Experts believe that integrating the Oreshnik system into Belarus’s arsenal will significantly enhance the military capabilities of the Russia-Belarus Union State and act as a powerful deterrent against NATO forces in the region.

Growing Military Tensions in Europe

The introduction of the Iskander-1000 and Oreshnik missile systems comes at a time of heightened military tensions between Russia and NATO.

In recent years, the West has increased its military presence in Eastern Europe, citing security concerns following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Russia, in response, has pursued military advancements to counter perceived threats from NATO and the United States.

The anticipated deployment of these advanced missile systems could lead to increased NATO countermeasures, including the reinforcement of missile defense systems and the potential positioning of additional U.S. military assets in the region.

As both sides continue to enhance their missile capabilities, the likelihood of a new arms race in Europe grows, with strategic consequences that could shape the continent’s security landscape for years to come.

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