The use of new 9K720 Iskander-M mobile short-range ballistic missile system in the Syrian Civil War has been confirmed by the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov.

Russia used the Iskander-M missile system during combat operations against terrorists in Syria, said Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov.

He added: “The Iskander-M missile system of the Ground Forces has proved to be effective, as well as the Tornado-G and Smerch multiple launch rocket systems.”

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The 9K720 Iskander-M, a mobile ballistic missile system codenamed SS-26 Stone by NATO, replaced the Soviet Scud and Tocha-U missiles. Its two guided missiles have a range of up to 500 kilometers (about 300 miles) and can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads.

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

Russia also used its Tu-160 supersonic strategic bombers, Tu-22M3 supersonic bombers, and Tu-95 bombers – as well as ship-based MiG-29K fighters and Ka-52K helicopters – for the first time in Syria, Borisov said.