Training Launch of Russian Iskander-M Tactical Missile

Russian missile troops have performed combat training launches of the new Iskander-M tactical operational missile systems.

Lt. Col. Vadim Astafyev was quoted as saying by Sputnik News today that the training launches were carried out as part of tactical drills at the Kapustin Yar range in Astrakhan Region.

"During the practical phase of the exercises, the missile system detachment carried out a group training launch of two Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile systems from one launcher and successfully hit a target simulating a cluster of armored vehicles," Astafyev said.

The tactical drills served as a final test for the troops ahead of their march to Primorsky Territory in the Far East in November.

The Iskander-M (NATO reporting name SS-26 Stone) is a mobile ballistic missile system designed to destroy a wide variety of ground targets at a range of up to 310 miles.