Belarus starts independent operation of Russian-made Iskander missile system

February 1, BPN. Belarusian army has started full independent operation of the Iskander missile system, the defense ministry’s press office reported.

Belarusian missile units trained in Russia and are staffed only by contracted military personnel, it added. The ministry did not specify how many missile launchers are based in Belarus.

Belarus’ army has a sufficient stock of Iskander missiles and can perform any tasks, said Rusłan Čechaŭ, commander of the Missile Forces and Artillery.

“The Iskander is easy to operate, it is reliable and has firepower,” he noted. “It can hit critical targets at a range of up to 500 kilometers.” He noted the system’s accuracy, adding that missile operators have received practical training on-site in Belarus.

The Russian-made Iskander operational-tactical missile system is designed to destroy air/missile defense capabilities, as well as critical infrastructure such as bridges, command posts or communication centers.

The system can fire both cruise and quasi-ballistic missiles. The Iskander-M modification used by the Russian military has a range between 300 and 500 kilometers.

Belarus put S-400 and Iskander missile systems delivered by Russia on combat duty following Alaksandr Łukašenka talks with Vladimir Putin in late December 2022.