Accessibility links

Breaking News

Russia Conducts ICBM Test; Drills Missile Units


A Russian Topol intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on exhibition
A Russian Topol intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on exhibition

Russia's Defense Ministry says it tested an intercontinental ballistic missile as part of wide-ranging drills involving the country's missile forces.

The ministry said on September 26 that the Topol missile was fired from the Kapustin Yar test range in southern Russia and hit its target at another range in Kazakhstan.

It said the test was aimed at developing new technology to overcome missile defenses.

The ministry also said the country's missile forces had started exercises in Siberia that will include around 4,000 troops and a type of missile launcher known as Yars.

Yars missiles are mounted on heavy trucks, which are more difficult for enemy forces to find and destroy than underground missile silos.

The tests come about a week after Russia conducted its largest military exercises since the Cold War, with tens of thousands of troops deployed in Belarus and near the borders of the three Baltic NATO members.

  • 16x9 Image

    RFE/RL

    RFE/RL journalists report the news in 27 languages in 23 countries where a free press is banned by the government or not fully established. We provide what many people cannot get locally: uncensored news, responsible discussion, and open debate.

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG