Iskander missile system shows up in Algeria

Iskander missile system

Algeria recently showcased the Iskander missile system during preparations for its Independence Day military parade. Photos from the rehearsals suggest this powerful missile is now part of Algeria’s defence arsenal. They were added to strengthen national security and enhance the country’s military capabilities. Algeria bought the Iskander systems a few years ago to better protect itself from potential threats.

The Iskander missile system delivers high accuracy; the Russian military version reaches up to 500 kilometres in range. Russia designed the export model, the Iskander-E, to meet international arms limits with a reduced 280-kilometre range.

They built the Iskander-E for global customers, ensuring it stays effective while complying with export regulations. This export version of the Iskander is a strong and dependable weapon system with features that make it stand out in combat situations. It can carry a warhead weighing about 480 kilograms and can use different types of warheads: conventional, high-explosive, and specialised bunker-busting warheads.

The Iskander-E’s precision is also a key advantage, with an accuracy range of about 5–7 metres. This precision comes from advanced inertial guidance systems, which can be improved with GPS or Russia’s GLONASS satellite navigation system.

A Mach 7 Beast

The Iskander-E missiles can reach speeds up to Mach 7, and their high manoeuvrability makes them difficult to intercept by air defence systems. Furthermore, the Iskander-E is designed for quick use on mobile platforms, which makes transportation and operation easier in various combat settings without needing fixed sites. This mobility is vital, allowing rapid movement and flexibility in battle.

Anti-jamming technologies built into the Iskander-E increase its durability in electronically challenging situations where other systems may fail. This feature makes the Iskander-E valuable for modern warfare, where electronic warfare is more common.

The Iskander-E system is in demand among countries wanting to improve their defence capabilities with accurate, proven missile technology, despite strict export controls. For Algeria, obtaining the Iskander-E is an important move in strengthening its defense stance.

In 2018, Russia reportedly began delivering four Iskander-E missile regiments to Algeria, according to Kommersant. Each regiment includes 12 launchers and about 30 support vehicles for strong operational and logistical support.

This setup gives Algeria the ability to fully use the system in real combat situations. The Iskander proved its effectiveness during the 2008 war in Georgia, hitting targets with high precision. That conflict showed the missile’s combat power and importance in modern warfare tactics.

Conclusion

With its significant military use, a question arises: how might Algeria’s acquisition of the Iskander-E change security in North Africa and other places? With its improved capabilities, Algeria could shift military power in the region, discouraging nearby states from engaging in conflicts and increasing its strategic position.

References

• U.S. Army Foreign Military Sales – Iskander-E Overview: https://www.army.mil
• Kommersant—Russia’s Defence Exports to Algeria: https://www.kommersant.ru
• Defense News – Algeria’s Military Modernisation: https://www.defensenews.com