Iskander-M missile system

In news– Russia has promised its ally Belarus, the delivery of Iskander-M missiles system (nuclear capable) in the coming months.

About Iskander-M missile system-

Codenamed “SS-26 Stone” by NATO, Iskander-M is a term used by Russia to define both the transporter-erector launch system and the short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) it fires.
The system can also fire ground-launched cruise missiles (GLCMs) – the SSC-7 and the SSC-8.
It has been exclusively used by the Russian military, whereas Iskander-E is the one meant for export.
It has a range of 500 km and it can carry a payload of up to 700 kg.
It is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads.
The conventional warheads can be equipped with include cluster bombs, electromagnetic pulse (EMP) warheads and bunker-buster munitions, according to US-based Missile Defence Advocacy Alliance (MDAA).

The export variant, Iskander-E, has a range of 280 km with a reduced 480 kg payload.

While the Iskander system was inducted by Russia in 2006, its development picked pace in the late 1980s after the “Oka” SRBM or the OTR-23 was banned under the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty.
The Oka was Russia’s first attempt to replace the Soviet Scud missiles and Iskander was the second.
Russia first used the Iskander in combat in Georgia in 2008.
According to a US-based think tank, these missiles are designed to confuse missile defences by flying on a low trajectory and manoeuvring in flight to strike targets within 2 to 5 metres accuracy.
In the past too, Russia has used the Iskander system to project power against Europe, more so because of its ability to be fitted with tactical nuclear warheads.