World News
Ukraine reports Russia used upgraded Iskander-1000 ballistic missile in Kyiv strike
Military intelligence says the new variant has a larger engine that extends its range to about 340 miles, threatening strained air defenses.
The short version
- Ukraine's military intelligence agency (GUR) stated that Russia used an upgraded ballistic missile, the Iskander-1000, for the first time during a summer bombardment of Kyiv.
- The upgraded missile features a larger engine and launcher that extends its maximum range to about 340 miles, roughly 100 miles farther than its predecessor.
- The deployment comes as Ukraine faces critical shortages of air-defense interceptor missiles for systems like the US-made Patriot.
Key facts
- Ukraine's military intelligence agency, the GUR, announced that Russia deployed the upgraded 9M723-2 or 'Iskander-1000' ballistic missile for the first time during a summer attack on Kyiv.[Business Insider]
- Ukrainian intelligence assessments indicate the Iskander-1000 has a larger engine and launcher that extend its range to approximately 340 miles, though most other components remain unchanged from its predecessor.[Business Insider]
- A US defense intelligence assessment from last fall previously noted that Ukraine's Patriot air defense systems struggled to consistently intercept Russian ballistic missiles due to tactical upgrades.[Business Insider]
- The Ukrainian Air Force also reported that North Korean KN-23 missiles, which are modeled on the Russian Iskander, were used in two strikes earlier in August.[Business Insider]