Languages

New missile might find way through NATO defense shield

The Plesetsk launch site in Arkhangelsk Oblast yesterday test launched a new missile, which Russia believes might be able to overcome the U.S. missile defense shield. Here from a previous launch. Photo: mil.ru

A prototype of a new Russian inter-continental missile was Tuesday successfully test launched from the Plesetsk launch site in northern Russia. It will be able to break through the U.S. missile defence shield, Russian military officials believe.

Location

The missile, a modernized version of the Topol-M and Yars missiles, successfully hit its target at the Kura shooting field in Kamchatka, a press release from the Russian Armed Forces reads.

As previously reported, an unsuccessful test launch of the same missile was conducted in September 2011.

According to the Russian missile forces, the new missile is developed and built based on the very best capacities and technological solutions applied in the fifth generation Russian missile system, something which helps save money and cuts development time.

“We expect that the new inter-continental missile will strengthen the capacities of the strategic missile forces [and] enhance their capability to overcome the hindrances created by missile defence systems,” the press release reads. 

With its new missile, Russia responds to the U.S. plans for a missile defence shield to be based in Central Europe. NATO in its summit last weekend that announce its new ballistic missile defence system has reached what it calls “interim operational capability”.