Skuds

Skuds refers to a series of Soviet-designed tactical ballistic missiles. The name "Scud" itself is a NATO reporting name, not a designation used by the Soviet Union. The original missile was the R-11, developed in the 1950s, which was heavily influenced by the German V-2 rocket. Later versions, such as the R-300 Elbrus (Scud-B) and the R-17 (Scud-C), saw significant improvements in range and accuracy.

These missiles were designed for short-range battlefield support, intended to strike targets behind enemy lines, such as command centers, troop concentrations, and airfields. They typically carried a single warhead, which could be high-explosive, chemical, or potentially nuclear, though their inherent inaccuracy made them less suitable for precise nuclear delivery.

Scud missiles have been exported widely to various countries and have been used in numerous conflicts, including the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, and the Syrian Civil War. Their relatively simple design and robust nature have made them a persistent threat, despite their technological obsolescence compared to modern missile systems. The widespread proliferation and use of Scuds have highlighted concerns about ballistic missile technology and its impact on regional security.