Russia has deployed a fresh batch of its top-of-the-line strategic nuclear missiles after a break caused by a funding shortage, and military officials presented ambitious plans Monday for building weapons even more potent.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov inaugurated the new set of Topol-M missiles Sunday at the Tatishchevo missile base in the central Saratov region, describing them as a “21st Century weapon” unrivaled in the world. The Interfax-Military News Agency said six Topol-Ms were deployed. They are capable of hitting targets more than 6,000 miles away.
U.S. military analysts equate the missile with the American Minuteman III, the older of the two land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles in the U.S. inventory.
In Washington, a State Department official said the latest Russian deployment is regarded as a continuation of a program that began in 1998 and does not violate weapons treaties.
