The Iskander (NATO designation SS-26 Stone) short-range ballistic missile is a successor to the Oka (SS-23 Spider), which was eliminated under the INF Treaty. It was first launched in 1996 and was initially designated by NATO as the SS-X-26. It is considered the most advanced missile of it's kind. The Iskander-M missile system was officially adopted by the Russian Army in 2006. Currently Russian Army operates only about 20 of these missile systems. It's export variant, the Iskander-E, was sold to Syria (26 units).

   The Iskander road mobile missile system is equipped with two short-range ballistic missiles, which substantially increases firepower of missile units. Each missile can be independently targeted. System is capable of hitting moving targets, as target coordination can be adjusted while missile is in-flight. The Iskander has several different conventional warheads, including cluster, fuel-air explosive, bunker-busting and electro-magnetic pulse. Minimum firing range is 50 km.

   The Iskander was designed to overcome air defense systems. Missile files at supersonic speed, excessively maneuvers in the terminal phase of the flight and releases decoys. In some cases this ballistic missile can be used as an alternative to precision bombing.

   Missiles can be launched 16 minutes from traveling or 4 minutes from highest readiness. The second minute can be launched after less than a minute.

   The transport-erector-launcher (TEL) vehicle uses MZKT-7930 Astrolog 8x8 high mobility chassis. It is powered by the YaMZ-846 diesel engine, developing 500 hp. Vehicle can be airlifted by the An-124 transport aircraft.

   The Iskander TEL is supported by a reloading vehicle, based on the same 8x8 chassis, which carries two reload missiles. Full missile system also includes command vehicle, information preparation vehicle, maintenance and repair vehicle and life support vehicle. All of these vehicles are based on KamAZ 6x6 trucks.

Variants

   Iskander-E, export version, specially designed to meet MTCR restrictions. It a maximum range of 280 km. This missile is fitted with internal guidance system and has a CEP of 30 - 70 m. This missile system has been exported to Syria (26 units);

   Iskander-M improved version adopted by the Russian army. It's estimated maximum range is 400 km. It is worth mentioning that this range can be extended, however this will violate INF Treaty. This ballistic missile is also fitted with both internal and optical guidance and has significantly improved firing accuracy. Optical seeker provides self-homing capability;

   R-500 Iskander-K cruise missile.