Russia Conducts First Nighttime Launch of Iskander Ballistic Missile

Russia’s military has conducted its first ever nighttime launch from its Iskander-M (SS-26 Stone) mobile short-range ballistic missile system outside the city of Orenburg, the Russian Defense Ministry’s Central Military District’s press service said Thursday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The Iskander is characterized by its high mobility and maneuverability, as it takes just 20 minutes to put the system in operational readiness.

More than 50 officers participated in the training that included more than 20 pieces of military equipment.

“Officers from the Central Military District’ missile unit completed test launches at night from the Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile system during training in the Orenburg region,” the press service said.

The 9K720 Iskander-M entered into service in 2006 to replace the OTR-23 Oka missile system, retired following the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union.