MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia, short of cash to build new rockets, test-launched a 25-year-old ballistic missile on Wednesday in a series of trials aimed at ensuring that its outdated arsenal will be safe if its lifespan is extended.
"An intercontinental ballistic missile RS-18, which had been on stand-by for about 25 years, was successfully test-launched from a silo,'' a spokesman for Russia's Strategic Missile Forces said, reading from a statement.
"The launch was a success and the missile hit the target in Russia's Far East as planned,'' he said, adding that the rocket had been tested to make sure the RS-18 missiles were in good condition and could have their lives extended.
The spokesman said the missile was launched from Baikonur, Russia's main space launch pad in Kazakhstan.
Russia has extended the lifespan of RS-18 missiles (SS-19 Stiletto by NATO classification) by 10 years until 2005. The missile was adopted by the armed forces in 1975.
Moscow, strapped for funds to replace its obsolete nuclear arsenal, has had to extend the life of existing missiles to maintain its status as a nuclear power.
Russia has conducted several test launches of outdated missiles over the last months and has said the results proved the rockets were in good working order.
Moscow has also successfully tested the new Topol-M missile, the intended cornerstone of its future nuclear force.
advertisement
