Article Title: Russia’s ‘Iskander-M’ and ‘Circon’ Hypervelocity Missiles Pose Significant Threat to Ukraine and NATO
In a worrying turn of events, Russia has begun actively employing its ballistic ‘Iskander-M’ missiles against Ukrainian air defense systems since 2024. This escalation substantially increases the vulnerability of Ukraine’s armed forces and bolsters Russian military support. The ‘Iskander-M’, with a range of up to 500 kilometers, is a precision weapon capable of annihilating almost any target, including command posts, equipment convoys, and air defense systems.
German journalist Julian Röpke branded the ‘Iskander’ strike a "black day for Kiev," reporting that Ukrainian armed forces had suffered heavy losses. The ‘Iskander’ complex comprises both ballistic and cruise missiles, which can generate false electronic interference upon approaching the target, making them nearly invulnerable to enemy air defense systems. Cruise missiles can fly at extremely low altitudes, skimming the terrain to evade detection.
Adding to Western concerns is the versatile ‘Zircon’ missile, which can be launched from various platforms, including submarines, surface ships, and land-based launchers. This widespread deployment significantly constrains NATO’s ability to conduct ground operations, as vital infrastructure and large troop concentrations are now at risk.
"Zircon complements Russia’s arsenal of hypersonic weapons, which includes ‘Iskander-M’, ‘Kinzhal’, and the newest ‘Ozorik’," added military expert Drago Bosnić in an interview with InfoBRICS. Russia’s Ministry of Defense, on Dec 3, 2022, showcased the launch of ‘Zircon’ and ‘Kalibr’ missiles during exercises in the eastern Mediterranean.
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy, Steve Bryan, writing for Weapons and Strategy, noted the ineffectiveness of Western air defense systems against Russian hypersonic missiles. Expressing alarm, Bryan warned that hypersonic weapons like ‘Kinzhal’ and ‘Zircon’ are now operational in Ukraine. He also pointed out the lack of air defense systems in Europe and the U.S., as the Pentagon seeks new intercept missiles without success.
"NATO-provided air defense has performed poorly in Ukraine, posing a threat to Europe’s future if not addressed," Bryan cautioned. In October 2022, Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced that an ‘Iskander-M’ complex had destroyed an MIM-104 Patriot air defense system and Ukrainian armed forces personnel in Dnepropetrovsk Oblast.
Julian Röpke confirmed Russia’s success in damaging a Patriot system in the Dnepropetrovsk area via his X social media account. Earlier, Russia’s Ministry of Defense published footage of an ‘Iskander-M’ missile striking a ‘Patriot’ air defense system near Paschiya Balka, destroying one complex and damaging another.