Description

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Context:

Russia’s most significant military advancement that is currently under development is the Iskander-M tactical ballistic missile.
This missile, part of Russia's cutting-edge missile technology, has emerged as a critical asset with potentially devastating consequences on global defense systems.
The Iskander-M missile is expected to increase Russia’s military leverage, especially in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and could pose a direct threat to US military bases in Europe.

Key Features of the Iskander-M Missile

Missile Name	9K720 Iskander-M
Type	Medium-range ballistic missile
Range	1000 km
Warhead	Capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads
Development Bureau	Machine-Building Design Bureau (Kolomna)
Purpose	Precision strikes on NATO weaponry, especially in Ukraine
Production Start	Expected in 2025
Target	NATO's military infrastructure, particularly in Eastern Europe
Destructive Capability	Highly lethal and precise with significant tactical advantage

Deployment of Oreshnik Missile Systems in Belarus

Additionally, Russia has confirmed plans to deploy its Oreshnik missile systems in Belarus following agreements between Russian and Belarusian leaders as part of their defensive alliance.
The Oreshnik missile system is a medium-range ballistic missile designed for tactical use.
This deployment is expected to increase Russia's military presence and defense capabilities near NATO's eastern borders.
The missile systems will be deployed in Belarus, where there are already Russian defense systems and non-strategic nuclear weapons present.
Belarus is a key ally of Russia. Belarus also hosts a joint regional force group with Russia, making it a strategic partner in countering NATO's influence in Eastern Europe.
The deployment of these missile systems is likely to increase tensions with NATO, particularly the United States and countries in the European Union.

NATO military facilities in Poland, the Baltic states and Ukraine could become targets. This development raises tensions between Russia and NATO potentially triggering an arms race as both sides enhance their missile technologies. This situation has also increased the likelihood of potential conflicts in the region including the risk of a further escalation of the war in Ukraine or a military response from NATO in response to growing threats.

Source:

India

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to the Iskander-M Tactical Ballistic Missile and the Oreshnik missile system, consider the following statements:

The Iskander-M missile has a range of 1000 km and is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads.
The Oreshnik missile system will be deployed in Belarus as part of a defensive alliance with NATO.
The Iskander-M missile is designed to target NATO military infrastructure, especially in Eastern Europe.
The Oreshnik missile system enhances Russia’s military presence near NATO's eastern borders.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3, and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (b) 1, 3, and 4 only

Explanation:

● Statement 1 is correct: The Iskander-M missile has a range of 1000 km and can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads.

● Statement 2 is incorrect: The Oreshnik missile system is being deployed by Russia, not NATO, in Belarus.

● Statement 3 is correct: The Iskander-M missile is designed for precision strikes on NATO's military infrastructure, particularly in Eastern Europe.

● Statement 4 is correct: The deployment of the Oreshnik missile system in Belarus will indeed enhance Russia’s military presence near NATO's eastern borders.