R36M / RS-20 vs 9K720 Iskander

Overview

The R36M / RS-20 and the 9K720 Iskander are both Ballistic missiles.

The R36M / RS-20 has a range of 16,000 km — 32:1 the 9K720 Iskander's 500 km. The R36M / RS-20 reaches 28,000 km/h vs 7,285 km/h for the 9K720 Iskander. The R36M / RS-20 carries a 8800 kg warhead vs 710 kg for the 9K720 Iskander. Launch weight is 211,100 kg for the R36M / RS-20 vs 4,615 kg for the 9K720 Iskander. The R36M / RS-20 uses Inertial, autonomous guidance, while the 9K720 Iskander relies on Inertial guidance, optical, GPS / GLONASS.

The R36M / RS-20 has been produced in 308 units vs 900 for the 9K720 Iskander. Unit cost is $7M for the R36M / RS-20 vs $3M for the 9K720 Iskander. The R36M / RS-20 entered service 18 years before the 9K720 Iskander (1988 vs 2006).

R36M / RS-20

Soviet ICBM, entering service in 1988, carries a warhead of 8800 kg.
Origin 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Ballistic
Type Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)
Manufacturer OKB-586
Service year 1988
Number produced 308 units
Estimated unit price $7 million
View full R36M / RS-20 details

9K720 Iskander

Russian short-range ballistic missile, entered service in 2006, using inertial and optical guidance.
Origin 🇷🇺 Russia
Category Ballistic
Type Short-range ballistic missile
Manufacturer Votkinsk
Service year 2006
Number produced 900 units
Estimated unit price $3 million
View full 9K720 Iskander details

R36M / RS-20

Range 16,000.0 km ◉
Maximum speed Mach 22.9 ◉
Weight 211,100 kg ◉
Warhead 8800.0 kg ◉
Length 32.77 m ◉
Diameter 3000 mm ◉
Guidance Inertial, autonomous
Warhead type 10 nuclear MIRV

9K720 Iskander

Range 500.0 km ◉
Maximum speed Mach 5.9 ◉
Weight 4,615 kg ◉
Warhead 710.0 kg ◉
Length 7.30 m ◉
Diameter 920 mm ◉
Guidance Inertial guidance, optical, GPS / GLONASS
Warhead type Thermonuclear weapon

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the R36M / RS-20 or 9K720 Iskander?
The R36M / RS-20 has a longer range at 16,000 km compared to the 9K720 Iskander's 500 km.
Which is faster, the R36M / RS-20 or 9K720 Iskander?
The R36M / RS-20 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 22.9 compared to the 9K720 Iskander's Mach 5.9.
Which has a larger warhead, the R36M / RS-20 or 9K720 Iskander?
The R36M / RS-20 carries a larger warhead at 8,800 kg compared to the 9K720 Iskander's 710 kg.
Which is heavier, the R36M / RS-20 or 9K720 Iskander?
The R36M / RS-20 is heavier at 211,100 kg compared to the 9K720 Iskander's 4,615 kg.
Which is longer, the R36M / RS-20 or 9K720 Iskander?
The R36M / RS-20 is longer at 32.77 meters compared to the 9K720 Iskander's 7.30 meters.
What guidance systems do the R36M / RS-20 and 9K720 Iskander use?
The R36M / RS-20 uses Inertial, autonomous guidance while the 9K720 Iskander uses Inertial guidance, optical, GPS / GLONASS guidance.
Which entered service first, the R36M / RS-20 or 9K720 Iskander?
The R36M / RS-20 entered service first in 1988, 18 years before the 9K720 Iskander which entered service in 2006.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the R36M / RS-20 or 9K720 Iskander?
The 9K720 Iskander has been produced in greater numbers with 900 units compared to 308 units of the R36M / RS-20.

Related Comparisons

R36M / RS-20 vs M-39 ATACMS R36M / RS-20 vs AGM-69 SRAM R36M / RS-20 vs Trident 2D5 R36M / RS-20 vs LGM-30 Minuteman III R36M / RS-20 vs OTR-23 Oka R36M / RS-20 vs Dongfeng DF-15
2025 GlobalMilitary.net • About • Privacy • Terms • Dark theme