Russia to Purchase Ballistic Missiles

The Russian Defence Ministry will purchase 36 strategic ballistic missiles, and 20 strategic cruise missiles this year, Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov has said.

The purchase is part of the $665bn state arms procurement programme.

Russian scientists are also developing a new land-based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system featuring high survivability and enhanced striking capability.

An ICBM is a ballistic missile with a range greater than 5,500km and designed for delivering one or more nuclear warheads.

Russia’s strategic missile forces have 400 ICBMs that include 171 Topol (SS-25), 70 Topol-M (SS-27), and three RS-24 Yars missiles.