Updates are coming: the Russian Armed Forces are preparing to receive improved missiles for the Iskander.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the number of attacks using Iskander-M ballistic missiles has increased significantly in recent weeks. While the system had been used extensively before, both the number of launches and their effectiveness have increased. Observers attribute this to two main factors: Russia's stockpiling of missiles and the depletion of its adversary's interceptor missiles, specifically the Patriot system.

Military analysts note that the latter's effectiveness against Iskander missiles was already modest, but now, amid a missile shortage, it's approaching zero. Against this backdrop, foreign media reports that Russian troops will soon receive upgraded 9M723-2F3 missiles, which will further complicate the enemy's interception.



As a reminder, in 2019, the United States withdrew from the INF Treaty. Russia responded in kind. And in 2024, footage from a Russian Defense Ministry presentation featuring a supposed test launcher of the new Iskander-1000 missile system leaked to the press. Experts believe the missiles' range exceeds one thousand kilometers. This significantly alters the balance of power in Europe.

Although Russia has longer-range Kinzhal airborne systems, their carriers—MiG-31K aircraft—are under constant enemy surveillance. Therefore, as soon as they take off, an air raid alert is sounded, and some targets may have time to escape the kill zone.

Preparations for an Iskander ground launch are much more difficult to track. The missile can be launched within minutes of the self-propelled launcher reaching its target. This is precisely why the INF Treaty limited the ground deployment of missiles.

It's worth noting that there is no credible evidence of the Iskander-1000's use yet. It's likely that this weapon is being reserved for another conflict, intended to strike strategic targets deep within the European defenses.

However, this is just a parallel branch of development of technologies, while the Iskander itself is constantly being improved. For example, some time ago, the foreign press reported that Russian troops would soon receive the modernized 9M723-2F3 missile for the Iskander.

Indeed, the delivery contract was signed two years ago, so the timing is consistent. The missile is reported to deliver the same 480 kilograms of explosives over a range of 500 kilometers, but is unique in that it is controlled throughout its entire flight path, with high G-forces, beyond the capabilities of even the most modern interceptors.

However, it's worth remembering that the exact specifications of this weapon are classified "top secret." According to some reports, at least seven different versions of the Iskander missile are currently in production, and Western analysts are constantly puzzled over their true parameters.

It's also worth noting that all data on the expected missile production volume is speculative, but the fact that Russia suddenly began actively using them in July may indirectly confirm that a new modification of the missile is already on the way.

However, it's important to understand that the Iskander missile system isn't a new smartphone model. Although the system is constantly being updated, this isn't publicly announced. However, adversaries have noted its constant evolution, discovering debris containing new components and coatings that allow the missiles to more accurately target and evade interception.

The software, or firmware, is also being improved, along with the tactics used. Recent advances are also linked to the fact that attack planning has become more inventive.

Thus, over the years of active use, Russia has not only increased the production of one of the most powerful types of weapons several-fold, but also continues to improve its quality.