Russia modifies Iskander ballistic missiles for precision strikes on Kyiv bridges

Russia has upgraded its Iskander ballistic missiles with advanced guidance systems, enabling mid-flight course corrections and precision strikes on Kyiv bridges, according to The Telegraph. Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov confirmed that these systems have been employed in recent strikes on the capital's bridges, disrupting transportation between the city's left and right banks.

This move is part of Russia's strategy to split Ukraine along the Dnipro River. Russia has previously targeted Kyiv's eight main bridges using drone strikes, with four missiles hitting the Northern Bridge in a single night last weekend. The new homing systems utilize radar to scan the terrain seconds before detonation, bypassing Ukrainian electronic warfare systems and improving accuracy.

Military expert Mauro Gilli of the Hertie School in Berlin believes these upgrades could help Russia overcome some of the most significant tactical challenges it has faced since the beginning of the war. Despite the attacks, experts maintain that the likelihood of Russia successfully destroying Kyiv's bridges remains low. In addition to targeting bridges, Russia continues to attack energy infrastructure, aiming to divide Ukraine's power grid along the Dnipro River, preventing electricity from being redistributed between oblasts.