Reuters is reporting that Russia has test launched a new ICBM, designated the RS-24. The real interesting part is the bit about MIRVs
… The new RS-24 missile tested on Tuesday can be armed
with up to 10 different warheads and is intended to replace Russia's earlier generation intercontinental missiles such as the RS-18 and RS-20…
Pavel Podvig is the man on this stuff,
…The missile appears to be a version of the Topol-M missile modified to ensure compliance with the START Treaty. The treaty prohibits increasing the number of warheads on missiles of existing types. No details of the modification are available at the moment…
Let’s wait and get more info. Remember however that the Topol-M has a capability to deliver 3 MIRV, perhaps 6, so going for a new ICBM with 10 warheads is an unexpected move. Two quick comments. One, this is clearly an anti Ballistic Missile Defence measure and further demonstrates how badly BMD is affecting strategic stability. Secondly, with Washington’s own programme on warhead refurbishment for Minuteman III seeing a likely reduction in MMIII’s capacity from 3 to 2 warheads will hawks call for a reversal on MX cancellation?
Heard some band on Triple J the other day called "Cold War kids" or something. It'ssss baaaack.
