Russia test-fires SS-25 intercontinental missile

The Hindu ^ | Oct. 3, 2001

[Sawdring]

Moscow, Oct. 3. (DPA): Russia today successfully test-fired an old SS-25 intercontinental missile, military officials told the Interfax news agency.

The Topol RS-12M (NATO specification SS-25 sickle) was fired from the Plesetsk launch site in northwest Russia and hit a target almost 8,000 kilometres away in the Kamchatka peninsula in the far east.

The 45-ton missiles have been in service since the mid-1980s and most stocks must be decomissioned between 2005 and 2010.

[Sawdring]

RT-2PM - SS-25 SICKLE

[Sawdring]

Is this some sort of a warning or just a test? Looks like an inopportune time to conduct an ICBM test with massive US, NATO strikes planned against Afghanistan.

[nascarnation]

Do they have a "use by" date that was being approached?

[AGAviator]

Looks like an inopportune time to conduct an ICBM test with massive US, NATO strikes planned against Afghanistan.

We don't need to intervene massively in a military fashion.

We only need to support an insurgency of Afghans against the Taliban led by field commanders who were pro-US during the Soviet-Afghan war. Then we ned to clearly enunciate a policy of freedom and self-determination for all people in the region.

We will have more people on our side than we can handle, rockets or no rockets.

[AGAviator]

only ned need

[maestro]

Right, this is the perfect time for all nations to be 'testing' their missiles!
(Lots of 'help')

[Sawdring]

I understand your point, but I don't think that is going to happen. With four aircraft carriers on location the US is going to create a living hell for the Taleban and anyone caught in the area. Do you think this test was a warning or just a test?

[N00dleN0gg1n]

most stocks must be decomissioned between 2005 and 2010

If they have to scrap 'em anyway, dropping them on suspected Bin Laden camps seems as good a way as any - normally it would be a ridiculous waste of resources, but in this case it just saves them a major toxic waste disposal hassle.

[AGAviator]

Do you think this test was a warning or just a test?

I think it's the equivalent of saying "Ahem!" to get our attention.

[Gunner9mm]

But, no, we do not need a national missile defense. The Cold War is over. Russians are our friends, even if Putin is a committed communist of the old school, and a former director of the KGB. It really isn't a problem that they sell critical missile technology to Iran, China and North Korea. Just go back to sleep, America, we know what's best for you.
Sincerely,
The Democrats

[latrans]

Possibly a demo to impress a buyer.

[maestro]

"Cuba?"

[Pericles]

These tests were planned months in advance as part of Russia's missile maintenance program. The sky is not falling.

[Askel5]

Perhaps one of the least of the "planned in advance" events about which we need worry at present, actually.

[GOP_1900AD]

RE: "The Democrats"

... and sadly, many a duped Russophile so called "Conservative". Of course, no real Conservative would have taken the events of 1989 - 1991 without at least a bit of skepticism, eh?

Sincerely,

Belmont Mark

Ultra-Nationalist Archconservative

"BORDERS, LANGUAGE, AND CULTURE" = M. Savage

[AGAviator]

No, you're right, we're going to support establishing freedom in Central Asia, and its people are going ultimately choose to chart their own destinies, and not be dictated to by Moscow, or Tehran, or New Dehli - all historical enemies.

So the sky is not falling, the Central Asian people are going to be free to choose their own destinies, and the warlords who are keeping the pot boiling are going to have their last hurrah.

But back to the missile test. You'd think our prospective "anti-terrorism partner" would suspend them at a time like this if they weren't designed to get attention.

And I'm sure the visit of Iran's defense officials, and the signing of more agreements with Russia, were also "planned months in advance" too.

[Stavka2]

Well, lets see, the Republicans sure don't have a problem moving their factories to China and buying everything they produce. Nor do they have a problem of supporting "friendly" terrorists and dictators around the world...only a problem when they turn unfriendly. As for mindless aggression in the 90's, you might have a hard time choking your pride down, it was America who got the big prize. Like it or not, Americans elected Klintoon, not once but twice...you get what you deserve in a republic.

Oh and please, Mr. Russophob, please, explain how any of Putin's economic policies are communist? Do you even know the meaning of the word? Ever give it any thought? Or is this just a knee jerk reaction drilled into you since puberty?

[Stavka2]

Don't confuse the issue with the facts...all the conspiracy NUTCASES are having the time of their pitiful lives. Since they have nothing else to do but worry about Rapture and Russia. To bad they'll all go to their graves from old age and still never see their hoped for invasion, where they get to be the Wolvarines from that stupid flick "Red Dawn".

[Pericles]

You do know that they notify the USA before such tests right?