Algeria Unveils Russian “Iskander-E” Missile System for the First Time in Historic Show of Military Strength

BY: Dr. Hana Saada  

Algiers, Algeria | November 01st, 2024 — In a momentous reveal ahead of the military parade commemorating Algeria’s 70th National Revolution anniversary, the Algerian Armed Forces showcased the Russian “Iskander-E” short-range ballistic missile system publicly for the first time. This landmark debut, highlighting Algeria as the first Arab nation to possess this advanced weaponry, underscores the country’s significant strides in defense capability and military preparedness.

Acquired between 2013 and 2017, Algeria received four battalions of the Iskander-E system, a model renowned for its precision and strike power. Each battalion is outfitted with approximately 50 vehicles and 48 missiles, including 12 launchers, 12 transporters, 11 command vehicles, and various support equipment, making it one of the most formidable additions to the Algerian arsenal. The acquisition signals Algeria’s intent to bolster its defense capabilities, securing a powerful deterrent in the face of regional challenges.

According to Russia’s Kommersant newspaper, the Iskander-E missile systems, known by NATO as the SS-26 Stone, were delivered to Algeria in 2018, enhancing its ballistic capability with a unit comprising 12 launch platforms and around 30 support vehicles. The system was first operationally displayed during a large-scale military exercise in 2020, with Algerian state television capturing distant yet impressive footage of the missile launches.

The Iskander-E missile system is capable of a range of 500 kilometers and can reach speeds of up to Mach 6, equipping it to neutralize vital targets such as command centers and air defense installations with formidable precision. Its rapid deployment capabilities, paired with its mobile design, make it exceptionally challenging to detect or intercept, fortifying Algeria’s strategic advantage in terms of operational flexibility and responsiveness.

This advanced system also brings versatility, as the Iskander-E model can carry a variety of conventional warheads, including high-explosive and penetrator types. This capability expands Algeria’s operational scope, providing it with the means to address a wide array of threats while enhancing its tactical resilience.

The debut of the Iskander-E underscores Algeria’s strategic commitment to advancing its defense posture in a region marked by complex geopolitical dynamics. The acquisition reflects a calculated move to reinforce Algeria’s military readiness, projecting a message of national strength and self-reliance. Through this formidable display, Algeria demonstrates its resolve to uphold regional stability and protect its sovereignty, embodying the revolutionary spirit that has guided the nation since November 1, 1954.

 

 

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.

Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.

Stay Connected with Dzair Tube