Russia Deploys Upgraded Iskander-1000 Missiles in Kyiv Strikes

The Federal Government of Russia deployed an upgraded short-range ballistic missile, the 9M723-2 or Iskander-1000, during a bombardment of Kyiv this summer. According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the new variant features a larger engine and launcher that extend its maximum range to approximately 340 miles, which is roughly 100 miles further than previous versions.

This modification allows Russian launchers to operate from greater distances while remaining capable of striking the Ukrainian capital. The deployment comes as Ukraine manages shortages of critical air-defense interceptors for systems such as the US-made MIM-104 Patriot.

In a separate development, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that North Korea's KN-23 missile, a variant of the Iskander, was used in two recent strikes. This indicates deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea aimed at improving weapons technology.