Russia launches intercontinental ballistic missiles

On October 29, Russia's Strategic Missile Force (SMF) successfully tested a transcontinental ballistic missile RS-18 from the Baikonur space center in central Kazakhstan.

SMF spokesman Colonel Alexander Vovk said: 'The RS-18 test was successfully carried out from the Baikonur space center and its fake warhead shot to the Kura test site, located on the Kamchatka Peninsula. in the Far East '.

A Russian RS-18 missile launch.(Photo: Rferl)

In the past, SMF regularly launched rockets to test its performance and decide whether to continue using them. This test will help the Russian army evaluate the RS-18 (SS-19 Stiletto) missile, which began to be used 29 years ago.

'With successful launch results, the service time of one of our four most reliable rockets will be extended to 31 years,' Colonel Vovk said. RS-18's operational range exceeds 9,600 km and is appreciated for accuracy. SMF has more than 100 silos containing this kind of rocket, each with 6 warheads.

Meanwhile, the commander of SMF forces is general Nikolai Solovtsov said that the RS-18 and RS-12M missiles will gradually be replaced by the new generation RS-24 missiles with high capability in overcoming enemy defenses. He also said that from now until the end of the year Russia will launch an additional transcontinental RS-12M missile, an interceptor missile and a RS-20 heavy rocket.

Government