Russia modified Iskander-M and Kinzhal missiles to execute sharp terminal-phase maneuvers, reducing Ukraine’s interception rate from 37 percent (August) to six percent (September). Ukrainian officials call this a “game-changer,” demonstrated by successful strikes on key targets like a Turkish drone factory and EU/British offices in Kyiv. Iskander missile has a 500 km (310.7 mi) range, hypersonic submunitions (Mach 10+) and nuclear/conventional payloads. It could strike Eastern Europe (Poland, Baltics, Germany) with minimal warning. Ukraine shares real-time engagement data with Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, but U.S. officials admit countermeasure improvements lag behind Russia’s evolving tactics. Patriot systems remain Ukraine’s most effective defense, but shortages persist. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns Russia plans winter…

Newswire

Features

The Latest