Russia deploys new missiles

Russia has deployed a fresh batch of its top-of-the-line strategic nuclear missiles after a break caused by a funding shortage, and military officials put forward ambitious plans for building even more potent weapons.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov inaugurated the new set of Topol-M missiles at the Tatishchevo missile base in the central Saratov region, describing them as a “21st-century weapon” unrivalled in the world.

“This is the most advanced state-of-the-art missile in the world,” Ivanov said in remarks broadcast by Russian television stations today. “Only such weapons can ensure and guarantee our sovereignty and security and make any attempts to put military pressure on Russia absolutely senseless.”

The Topol-M missiles, capable of hitting targets more than 6,000 miles away, so far have been deployed in silos. Its mobile version, mounted on a heavy off-road vehicle, is set to become operational next year.