Media: Russia to permanently station Iskander ballistic missiles near Kaliningrad
Russian newspaper Kommersant reports that Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile systems (SRBMS) will be stationed in the Kaliningrad region on a permanent basis in the near future, citing a source close to the General Staff of Russia.
Until now, the newest SRBM systems had only been transferred to the region on a temporary basis.
The publication reports that the Iskanders will be put on combat duty in early 2018. The 152nd Guards Missile Brigade (Chernyakhovsk, Kaliningrad region) will receive them, and will be trained using the systems.
An Iskander-M SRBM can hit targets at a range of up to 500 km. The system complex includes two types of missiles: ballistic and cruise missiles. It is designed to inflict damage on an enemy’s missile systems, anti-missile and anti-aircraft defense equipment, aircraft and helicopters at airfields, command posts and infrastructure facilities.
In December of 2016, Russian Foreign Minister Sergeн Lavrov explained the transfer of missile systems Iskander-M to the Kaliningrad region to be a response to the destructive actions of NATO.