Capable of striking targets up to 500 kilometers away, Russia has deployed a brigade of Iskander-M missile launchers along the Finnish border. As confirmed by the Izvestia news platform, the move comes as Vladimir Putin seeks to reinforce the newly formed Leningrad Military District (LMD).
Stationed in Karelia, a Russian region bordering Finland, the mobile short-range ballistic missile system is known for its precision. Reaching speeds of approximately 7,500 km/h, each missile has an accuracy of 30 meters.
Built to carry either conventional or nuclear warheads weighing up to 1,500 pounds, the 9K720 Iskander-M was first used in combat in 2008 during Russia’s war with Georgia. Since then, the missile has been used against Ukraine.
Speaking to Izvestia, Admiral Vladimir Valuev, the former commander of the Baltic Fleet, said: “The formation of a missile brigade is a very timely decision. This is an adequate response to Finland’s accession to NATO.”
Breaking its tradition of neutrality, Finland infuriated the Kremlin when it joined NATO in April of last year.
This prompted the formation of the LMD, and the news of Iskander-M missile systems bolstering the district has further escalated tensions.
Built to carry either conventional or nuclear warheads weighing up to 1,500 pounds, the 9K720 Iskander-M was first used in combat in 2008 during Russia’s war with Georgia. Since then, the missile has been used against Ukraine.
Speaking to Izvestia, Admiral Vladimir Valuev, the former commander of the Baltic Fleet, said: “The formation of a missile brigade is a very timely decision. This is an adequate response to Finland’s accession to NATO.”
Breaking its tradition of neutrality, Finland infuriated the Kremlin when it joined NATO in April of last year.
This prompted the formation of the LMD, and the news of Iskander-M missile systems bolstering the district has further escalated tensions.
Source: dailywrap.uk
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