MWM: Russian Iskander ballistic missile strike takes out Ukrainian long range drone launch site

Iskander-M launch and explosion at drone launch site.
Photo: ‘Military Watch Magazine’

Multiple reports by Ukrainain and Western sources raising concern that MIM-104 Patriot air defence systems donated by countries across the Western world had become increasingly ineffective at intercepting Iskander strikes, with success rates falling to just six percent, ‘Military Watch Magazine’ states.

Asite used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to launch long-range single use drones against Russian targets has been destroyed during a striking launched using Iskander-M ballistic missile systems. Up to 65 Lyuty class drones were destroyed in the attack, as well as four trucks and five launchers. Approximately 30 Ukrainian casualties resulted from the strike, including multiple drone warfare specialists. Lyuty drones have an estimated range of 1,000 kilometres and can carry explosive payloads weighing up to 75 kilograms. The site was located near the village of Martovoe  in northeastern Ukraine. The strike follows multiple reports by Ukrainain and Western sources raising concern that MIM-104 Patriot air defence systems donated by countries across the Western world had become increasingly ineffective at intercepting Iskander strikes, with success rates falling to just six percent.

The Iskander-M has played an increasingly central role in the Russian war effort, particularly from 2023 after a surge in production made supplies more readily available. Each brigade is comprised of 51 vehicles, including 12 transporter erector launchers and 12 reload vehicles which between them can deploy 48 missiles simultaneously. The system has ben used to neutralise multiple high value targets, with drone footage confirming the destruction of Ukraine’s scarce Patriot surface to air missile systems on multiple occasions. The system have also been used to attack the positions of both Western combatants supporting the Ukrainian war effort on multiple occasions, as well as key rail infrastructure and combat aircraft.

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