(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — In a recent precision strike on Ukrainian military facilities, the Russian armed forces successfully deployed the “Iskander-M” ballistic missile, obliterating a total of 32 D-20 152mm howitzers.
Footage showcasing the exactitude of the “Iskander-M” ballistic missile strike on Ukrainian military infrastructure has widely circulated on social media platforms.
The Russian army has been actively utilizing the short-range ballistic missile, “Iskander-M,” in its conflict with Ukraine, achieving significant precision in this instance by destroying a substantial number of artillery pieces belonging to the Ukrainian forces.
All 32 of the 152mm howitzers, critically needed by Ukraine, were annihilated in a single ballistic missile strike by the “Iskander-M.”
Drone footage reveals the complete destruction of these artillery pieces due to the missile’s impact.
These howitzers were stored within a Ukrainian military storage facility located in the village of Akhtryka in the Sumy region of Ukraine.
The D-20 howitzer, constructed during the Soviet era with a 152mm caliber—as opposed to the 155mm caliber standard of NATO artillery—was developed by the Soviet Union in the 1950s and has been utilized by various countries, especially those aligned with Communist ideologies.
The D-20 is recognized for its high firepower and effectiveness, having been employed by military forces in numerous conflicts worldwide, thus proving its reliability in battle.
The 9K720 Iskander (NATO designation: SS-26 ‘STONE’), developed by Russia, is a short to intermediate range ballistic missile capable of hitting targets between 400km to 500km away.
The “Iskander-M” variant can carry up to 700kg of explosive payload, whether conventional or nuclear, and boasts a Circular Error Probable (CEP) accuracy ranging from 10 to 30 meters.
The Russian Ministry of Defense is planning to upgrade its tactical “Iskander” missiles and air-launched “Kinzhal” hypersonic missiles to make them more “dangerous” for its adversaries.
The enhancements for both missile systems will include extended range, increased agility with high maneuverability, and more potent explosive power.
These weapons have played a crucial role in Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, with Moscow deploying them to strike key Ukrainian military targets.
During a recent visit to the Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau in Kolomna, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu discussed efforts to further enhance the capabilities of Russian missiles, especially the “Iskander” and “Kinzhal.”
Russian arms experts indicate that the upgrades will improve the missiles’ flight capabilities to evade tracking and interception by air defense systems. — DSA