In response to US ballistic missile shield plans, Russia will focus on the development of offensive weapons systems, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said in Vladivostok. "If we do not develop a missile defence system, the risk arises that our partners will feel entirely secure and protected against our offensive weapons systems," the Prime Minister said. "They will feel able to act with impunity, increasing the level of aggression in politics and, incidentally, in the economy."
Russia has 174 mobile Topol and 15 of the latest Topol-M missile systems, which is enough to deliver a pre-emptive or response strike at the enemy. Moving at 5 kilometres a second, these missiles can evade even ballistic missile defence systems.
Russia could also start deploying its new silo-launched RS-24 missiles, which carry three independently targetable hypervelocity warheads.
The Russian Navy is pinning its hopes on the Bulava missile, even though it has so far failed to pass all tests. But the Defence Ministry says the tests are close to completion, and then Russia will have a group of Project 955 Borei class nuclear submarines armed with Bulava missiles. Although not a very powerful missile, the Bulava, like the Topol-M, was designed to evade ballistic missile shields.
When trials are completed, the Bulava missile will become the "offensive weapons system" that ensures national security, Mr. Putin said during his visit to the Primorye Territory.
Dmitry Litovkin
