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Russia Fields New Topol-M ICBM Unit
Russia formally deployed six new Topol-M long-range ballistic missiles at the Tatishchevo missile base in the Saratov region Dec. 21, according to the Associated Press (see GSN, Dec. 11). Each of the missiles has been armed with a single nuclear warhead, but there are plans to load three individually targeted warheads on each missile, according to AP. “This is the most advanced state-of-the-art missile in the world,” Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said in remarks broadcast by Russian television stations Monday. “Only such weapons can ensure and guarantee our sovereignty and security and make any attempts to put military pressure on Russia absolutely senseless,” he added. Col.-Gen. Nikolai Solovtsov, head of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces, said that a mobile version of the Topol-M missile is expected to be operational next year (Associated Press/CNN.com, Dec. 22). Solovtsov also said earlier this month that the Strategic Missile Forces plan to conduct 10 ICBM training launches next year. The purpose of the launches is to evaluate the dependability of Russian missiles and to prolong their service lives, he said. In addition, Solovtsov said that the 10-warhead SS-18 ICBM would remain in service for another 10 to 15 years (ITAR-Tass, Dec. 17).
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