Russia keeps its Stiletto sharp

RUSSIA IS TO EXTEND the service life of its UR100MU (SS-19 Stiletto) intercontinental ballistic missile, with the missile now forming part of the Strategic-Missile Force's (SMF) arsenal into the next century.

The SS-19 originally had a guaranteed service life of ten years, but this has been extended to 25 years. A 20-year-old SS-19 was successfully test-launched from the Baikonur launch centre in 1994.

SMF commander Col. Gen. Igor Sergeyev says that, alongside the UR100MU, the Topol-M, an upgraded variant of the SS-25 Sickle now in the final stages of development, will form the core of its strategic nuclear capability.

Sergeyev says that flight-testing of the Topol-M is due to be completed in 1996, with production of the missile to follow.

It remains uncertain whether Russia will convert the SS-19 from a six- to a single-warhead missile.

Source: Flight International