The Iskander missile system, while designed to evade electronic warfare, can still be vulnerable to mistargeting and interception through specific EW techniques. The Iskander utilizes a multi-faceted approach to target acquisition, including inertial navigation, terrain matching, and terminal guidance, making it robust against some EW threats. However, vulnerabilities exist in specific areas, such as satellite navigation and TERCOM systems, where EW can disrupt its operation. Furthermore, the Iskander’s maneuverability and decoy release capabilities, while designed to evade air defenses, can also be exploited by sophisticated EW systems. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Iskander’s Robust Targeting System: [1, 4]
• Inertial Navigation: The Iskander missile utilizes an inertial navigation system (INS) for initial guidance, which provides accurate positioning information during the early stages of flight. [4, 4, 8]
• Terrain Matching: The missile uses a terrain matching system (TERCOM) that compares the terrain below with a pre-loaded map to correct its trajectory. [4, 4, 5, 5]
• Terminal Guidance: The Iskander employs a terminal guidance system, often incorporating optical or radar sensors, to acquire and track the target in the final phase of flight. [4, 4, 9, 10]
Iskander’s Vulnerabilities to EW: [5, 11]
• Satellite Navigation Disruption: The Iskander’s cruise missile variants can rely on satellite navigation for long-range guidance. EW jamming can disrupt these signals, causing the missile to deviate from its intended path. [5, 5, 12, 13]
• TERCOM Interference: EW techniques can interfere with the TERCOM system by jamming the sensors or mimicking the terrain features, potentially leading to mis-guidance. [5, 5]
• Decoy Exploitation: While the Iskander’s decoys are designed to evade air defenses, they can also be used by EW systems to lure the missile into a false target or disrupt its terminal guidance. [6, 6, 7, 7]
• Missile Control Surfaces: The Iskander is controlled during flight using gas-dynamic and aerodynamic surfaces, and EW can potentially disrupt these control systems. [14, 14]
Overall, the Iskander’s targeting system is sophisticated and designed to withstand a variety of EW threats. However, specific techniques targeting satellite navigation, TERCOM, and decoy systems can still potentially lead to mistargeting or interception. The effectiveness of these techniques depends on the capabilities of the EW system, the nature of the target, and the environmental conditions. [3, 3, 5, 5]
Generative AI is experimental.
[1] eng.mil.ru/en/special_operat…] militarywatchmagazine.com/ar…] eurasiantimes.com/russias-ha…] militarnyi.com/en/articles/i…] english.nv.ua/nation/how-ele…] piped.video/watch?v=L4a_NVTu…] eurasiantimes.com/russias-ra…] menadefense.net/alexander-th…] eurasiantimes.com/russias-ha…] geocities.ws/jasonlemons/rad…] files.ethz.ch/isn/94687/2008…] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TERCOM…] bulgarianmilitary.com/2025/0…] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9K720_…
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