Russia’s Iskander-M Upgrades Make US Patriot Systems Useless in Ukraine

Russia has made notable upgrades to its Iskander-M ballistic missile system, creating significant obstacles for the American Patriot air defense systems currently used by Ukraine. In an interview with the Kyiv Post on May 24, 2025, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat elaborated on these developments.

The enhancements reportedly involve the incorporation of radar decoys and a quasi-ballistic flight trajectory, which complicate interception efforts by defense systems. This evolution in missile technology has sparked vigorous discussions among experts. Notably, American physicist John Ridge raised questions about the originality of these advancements, suggesting that similar capabilities had been recognized prior to this upgrade.

The Iskander-M, referred to as the SS-26 Stone by NATO, is a short-range, road-mobile missile system designed for precision strikes at ranges of up to 500 kilometers. With an overall length of 7.3 meters and a diameter of 0.92 meters, the missile weighs approximately 3,750 kilograms and can carry a payload between 480 and 700 kilograms, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Its solid-fuel engine allows for rapid mobility, while its advanced guidance system—integrating inertial navigation, optical tracking, and satellite guidance—enables exceptional accuracy, with a circular error probable of just 5 to 7 meters. The Iskander-M can be fitted with various warheads, including high-explosive fragmentation, cluster munitions, bunker busters, and electromagnetic pulse devices.