Russian test ballistic missiles

The Russian military yesterday successfully tried intercontinental ballistic missiles that could carry multiple nuclear warheads, with the aim of checking the ability to extend the use of this Soviet-era weapon.

The RS-20V Voevoda (which the West calls SS-18 Satan) is launched from the silo in Orenburg province, near the Ural mountains. Russian officials say it hit ground targets on the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Far East, 6,000 kilometers away.

"This successful launch once again confirms the technical features of the missile, as well as the ability to be ready to fight for a long period of life , " Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Kostyshin said. .

Russia has conducted numerous tests of Soviet-era ballistic missiles to test their availability. The lack of budget is part of the reason why the country cannot replace the old arsenal with new missiles.

Ballistic missiles can carry 10 separate nuclear warheads, firing at targets far away from this 11,000 km are the heaviest term missiles in the Russian arsenal. SS-18 and SS-19 - also the kind of multi-warhead - constituted a key force in the current Russian missile stockpile.

SS-18 Satan (Photo: Usec.com)

T. Huyen