Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu discussed Russia’s efforts to rearm with short-range ballistic missiles on May 24, 2017.
By late 2020, Russia aims to have completely rearmed its land forces with the Iskander-M, a short-range ballistic missile.
Speaking to the Russian Parliament’s upper house, the Defense Minister noted,
“As for the general-purpose forces, self-sufficient groupings of troops and forces capable of adequately responding to any military security threats will be established in all the strategic directions, including the Arctic, by late 2020. The Army is expected to have been fully rearmed with modern Iskander-M missile systems by that time.”
He also discussed the S-500, PAK FA, and Tu-160M2, as well as submarine programs.
Russia may be seeking to extend the range of its Iskander systems, too. IHS Jane’s cited Tass News Agency as reporting earlier in May that Russian defense industry officials had discussed the Iskander-M and potential upgrades.
“The parties dealt with the issue of enhancing the combat capabilities of the 9K720 Iskander-M systems deployed by the Land Forces by developing new missiles, increasing range, and accuracy,” according to a readout of their meeting.
Military markets analyst, covering Eurasia, Middle East, and Africa.
