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Russia to boost its ballistic arsenal with new missiles and testing, commander says

Moscow, Washington warn each other ahead of intercontinental ballistic missile tests

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A Russian navy frigate launches a Zircon hypersonic cruise missile during drills in the Mediterranean Sea. Photo: Russian Defence Ministry via AP

Russia is boosting its ballistic arsenal with new strategic missile systems, plans maximum-range launches and may increase testing in response to growing external threats, a senior Russian military commander said on Monday.

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In a clear warning that Russia will respond if it deems its security is threatened, Sergei Karakayev, the commander of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, said the country plans maximum-range test launches as part of testing new systems.

“In terms of range, there is no place where our missiles cannot reach,” Russia’s RIA state news agency cited Karakayev as telling the Krasnaya Zvezda, the Russian defence ministry’s official newspaper, in an interview.

He added that Russia may increase the intensity of tests of its advanced missile weapons if external threats grow.

Commander of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces Sergei Karakayev (second from left). Photo: Sputnik via Reuters
Commander of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces Sergei Karakayev (second from left). Photo: Sputnik via Reuters

Confirming for the first time publicly that Russia is developing a new intercontinental ballistic missile system, the Osina, Karakayev said the introduction into combat of Osina and a number of new missile systems is a priority.

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