Ukraine confirms Russia used Iskander-1000 ballistic missile in Kyiv strike
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Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence confirmed on August 27, 2026 that Russia used the upgraded 9M723-2 ballistic missile, known as Iskander-1000, against Kyiv during a combined strike in summer 2026. The missile extends range to 550 km, a 41% increase over the Iskander-M's 390 km. The confirmation marks the first combat employment of the new Iskander variant.
Key Facts
- Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence confirmed on August 27, 2026 that Russia used the 9M723-2 ballistic missile, known as Iskander-1000, against Kyiv during a combined strike in summer 2026.
- The 9M723-2 missile has a maximum range of 550 km, compared with 390 km for the Iskander-M's 9M723-1 missile, an increase of 160 km or 41%.
- The initial 2025 procurement order covered 18 9M723-2 missiles at RUB 221 million per unit, totaling RUB 3.978 billion, equivalent to roughly $45 million.
- Estimated Russian Iskander-M ballistic missile output has risen to 60-70 missiles per month.
Missile Specifications
The 9M723-2 ballistic missile, part of the updated Bora-M complex, integrates an enlarged solid-propellant motor to expand maximum strike range from 390 km to 550 km. The missile retains the core 9M723-1 airframe, guidance, and warhead architecture. The current 9M723-1 missile measures 7.2 m in length, has a 920 mm body diameter, and a launch mass of 3 tonnes. The extended range reduces flight time to target to several minutes and expands launcher positioning flexibility, forcing air defense systems to cover nearly double the target envelope.
Production and Cost
An initial order covered only 18 9M723-2 missiles for production in 2025, valued at RUB 221 million per missile, or RUB 3.978 billion for the batch. The batch is equivalent to roughly $45 million at the stated $2.5 million unit value. Despite foreign dependency across 64.3 percent of its primary electronic components, the initial 2025 procurement was priced at RUB 221 million per unit. Russia is scaling broader Iskander series output toward 60 to 70 missiles monthly.
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Ukraine confirms Russia used Iskander-1000 ballistic missile in Kyiv strike
