TASS:
MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. The missile brigade of Russia’s Western Military District, equipped with Iskander-M tactical ballistic missile systems has started planned field exercises at a specialized range in the Leningrad region, spokesman for the Western Military District Igor Muginov said on Monday.
“During the exercises, the military drill single and multiple missile attacks without actual combat training missile launches at various targets, simulating the enemy’s command centres and radar stations located at a distance of several hundred kilometres from the missile sites. The drills are conducted both from prepared missile sites and during the deployment on the run,” the statement says.
In addition, the missile troops are taking a series of measures for preparation and taking the equipment out of the park in complete blackout and radio silence, conducting a march over rough terrain bypassing public roads and occupying the launch positions using visual control means.
“During the planned exercises the military conduct drills for the deployment of tactical missile systems, improving the battalions’ loaded march skills, load missiles from transport and load vehicles, conduct the positions’ topogeodetic survey”, Igor Muginov said.
The exercise involves about 100 troops and more than 50 units of military and special equipment.
The Iskander-M tactical missile system is designed to eliminate both point and area targets in the enemy’s rear area. The system comprises vehicles of several types, including a self-propelled launcher on an MZKT chassis, a transporter-loader, a command post vehicle, etc., and, inter alia, the 9M723 single-stage solid-propellant missile with a range of 500 km. The missile can carry both the single and cluster-type warhead.
The Iskander tactical missile system is characterized by its high mobility and maneuverability, as it takes just 20 minutes to put the system in operational readiness. 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.
