(VIDEO) Watch Russia’s “Iskander” Missile Strikes On Ukraine’s “Patriot” Air Defense Battery

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Russia’s Ministry of Defence has released video footage showing its “Iskander” tactical missile system striking a U.S.-supplied Ukrainian “Patriot” air defense battery.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, the “Iskander” tactical missile successfully targeted the “Patriot” air defense system operated by Ukraine in Pashena Balka, Dnepropetrovsk region.

“The Iskander tactical missile strike successfully hit the AN/MPQ-65 multifunction radar, AN/MSQ-104 control center, and Patriot missile launchers,” the statement said.

Pashena Balka is located approximately 250 km from the launch site of the “Iskander” tactical missile within Russian territory.

Analysts note that given Ukraine’s limited number of U.S.-supplied “Patriot” air defense systems, any loss of these systems would further weaken the country’s overall air defense capability.

They also claim that Ukrainian forces have been somewhat reckless in operating the Patriot system within range of Russia’s “Iskander” tactical missiles.

The video released by the Russian Ministry of Defence showcases the impressive accuracy of the “Iskander-M” missile strike.

The footage, captured by a Russian tactical drone, shows the missile hitting the “Patriot” air defense system.

However, analysts suggest that if Russia had used an “Iskander” missile equipped with cluster munitions, the level of destruction to Ukraine’s air defense system would have been significantly worse.

The threat posed by Russia’s “Iskander” missile system to Ukrainian forces has grown, especially as Russia has ramped up production of the missile in recent times.

Defense analysts also note that Russia is actively upgrading its “Iskander-M” missile, particularly in terms of its range.

Recent social media images have shown a new variant of the tactical missile, called the “Iskander-1000,” reportedly capable of striking targets up to 1,000 km away.

In a recent report, an “Iskander-M” tactical missile launched from the Kursk region in Russia successfully hit the Zhmerynka district, located approximately 750 km away.

Analysts warn that if Russia extends the missile’s range to 1,000 km, there is a risk that its accuracy could decrease compared to previous versions of the “Iskander” missile. – DSA