New Missiles Provide Security, Russia Says

Russia believes it can ensure its security for decades through development of two new classes of ballistic missiles, Reuters reported today (see GSN, May 30).

“One can be absolutely sure that the new RS-24 missile together with the Topol-M mobile and stationary missile complexes will guarantee Russia’s security for the next 20-30 years,” Gen. Nikolai Solovtsov, head of strategic missile forces, told the Krasnaya Zvedza army daily.

Production of the RS-24 has been spurred by U.S. missile defense efforts following Washington’s exit from the Antiballistic Missile Treaty.  It is intended specifically to overcome any such defenses now or in the future.  The ICBM, tested successfully last month, carries multiple warheads that could each hit a separate target.

The Topol-M ICBM would be armed with one warhead, and could be fired from silos or mobile launchers.

Together, the weapons would replace aging RS-18 and RS-20 missiles as they are removed from the Russian strategic arsenal, Solovtsov said (Reuters/New York Times, June 14).

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