The Russian military successfully test-launched an
intercontinental ballistic missile yesterday as part of work to
extend the weapon's service life, according to Interfax New
Agency.
The Topol RS-12 missile was fired from the Plesetsk launch pad
in northwestern Russia and hit its target on the Kura testing
ground on the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Far East, about 7,000 km
east of Moscow, Interfax reported.
"The missile was test-fired to confirm stability of its flight
and technical parameters in order to lengthen its service life,"
said Maj. Gen. Vitaly Seliverstov of the Strategic Rocket
Forces.
The Topol missiles have been deployed by the Russian military
since 1985. The missile has a maximum range of 10,000 km.
Earlier, Lt Gen. Vitaly Linnik, deputy commander of the Space
Troops, said the Topol missiles would be in service until 2015.
(Xinhua News Agency August 4, 2006)
