MissileThreat.com

Deployment of Additional Patriot Interceptors in South Korea Complete

The 8th U.S. Army completed its deployment of PAC-3 interceptors in South Korea, with the last load of equipment arriving last week. The Patriot batteries have been deployed in the southwestern city of Gwangju, 300 kilometers from Seoul. There are a reportedly a total of some eight batteries in South Korea, six of which are the older PAC-1 or PAC-2 versions. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Allies, South Korea

» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)

Iranian Interest in Space Disguise for Missile Ambitions

The November 29th edition of Aviation Week & Space Technology reports that Iran’s stated plans for a space program and their desire to launch a satellite into orbit in the coming year may in fact be nothing more than a thin disguise for more ambitious ballistic missile programs.
        Aviation Week’s analysis that the program is a “Trojan Horse”� seems almost certainly correct. The technological capabilities of a long range missile are quite similar to those of a missile to put a satellite into orbit. Hence the connection between American, Russian, Chinese, Indian, and Israeli space programs to their respective missile programs. When North Korea launched a long range Taepo Dong missile over Japan in 1998, it was attempting to put a satellite into orbit. (Link) 

» Sep. 20: Iran plans to launch satellite into orbit in early 2005

» Dec. 3: Iran planning 2005 satellite launch using Shahabs as boosters

» More stories on: Iran

Russia Tests Modernized Missile Defense System

Russia today conducted a successful test of an upgraded version of its A-135 ballistic missile defense system. The test took place at the Sary Shagan Missile Range, located in Kazakhstan. Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov described the test as flawless: “The missile accurately hit the training target.” Putin was reported as having responded to the test, saying “Good, congratulations.” According to RIA Novosti, Ivanov also said that “We intend to upgrade and modernize the anti-ballistic missile defense system further.”
        The A-135 system, based around and designed to defend Moscow and the surrounding areas, consists of two interceptor missiles, the short range “Gazelle” and the long range “Gorgon.”
        Pavel Podvig cites one Russian source indicating that today’s test was of the shorter range 53T6 “Gazelle” missile, a report he terms “quite likely.” According to Podvig, the Gazelle was last tested on November 2, 1999; and the Gorgon was last tested on October 2, 2002.
        Update: Dec. 1: The following is an excerpt from a Russian television broadcast on November 30, Ren TV in Moscow, which reported on the recent missile interceptor test. The report confirmed that the test was of the 53T6 or Gazelle interceptor, and furthermore indicated that tests of the Russian missile defenses will henceforth be conducted at Sary Shagan at least twice a year. Text of the report: (More »»») 

» Nov. 29: UPI analysis: Cold War Has Never Been Colder

» Podvig on Russian ABM test

» More stories on: Russia, Russian Missile Defenses

» Missile system details for: System A-135, Gazelle (SH-08/ABM-3), Gorgon (SH-11/ABM-4)

Pakistan Launches Hatf-3 Missile

Pakistan today test launched its Hatf-3 (Ghaznavi) ballistic missile. The test of the 290km range, nuclear capable missile was described as completely successful, and for the purposes of testing the missile’s most recent version. A military official was reported as saying that further tests will be conducted in the coming days. (Link) 

» More stories on: Pakistan, Testing - Foreign

» Missile details: Hatf 3

India Tests Short Range SAM

On November 26, India test launched its short range “Akash” (Sky) surface to air missile. Despite the air defense missile’s limited range (25-30km), it is said to be capable of both conventional and nuclear warheads, with a reported payload of 60kg. The test took place from the coastal test range on the eastern province of Orissa.
        A nuclear warhead could potentially give the missile the capability to destroy both aircraft and warheads from ballistic missiles. The missile is described as being able to strike several targets simultaneously, which could mean either separate, independently targetable warheads, or a sufficient blast to destroy a number of them.  (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: India, Testing - Foreign

Bush: China Should Exercise Prudence, Restraint

During a recent meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Santiago, Chile, President Bush asked China to use restraint and prudence with regard to its large, and quickly expanding ballistic missile buildup off the coast of Taiwan. Sec. of State Colin Powell reported the president’s remarks to reporters, saying that Bush “expressed some concern over the fact that there are so many missiles in the Mainland that are pointed toward Taiwan, and we encouraged the Chinese side to act with restraint and prudence.â€� (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: China, Taiwan

MDA: BMD Ineffective Against Russia and China

In a recent letter to the Kodiak Mirror newspaper, Missile Defense Agency spokesman Rick Lehner corrected a previous opinion piece which had asserted that the MDA is “preparing to launch lasers and interceptors into earth orbit.” Lehner pointed out that no such space-based systems are even contemplated and that the space-based laser research office “was shut down more than three years ago.” On November 18, Lehner confirmed as well the very limited character and capability of the systems which are being deployed this year. Lehner said quite simply that “this missile defense system being deployed is not a threat to either the Russian or the Chinese strategic deterrent force.”
        Lehner accurately presents official policy, but this points to the problem with current policy. It is true that the United States is not seeking to deploy a strategic defense, and that it is specifically avoiding the space-based systems useful to that end. The arms controllers who vehemently opposed Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative are therefore wrong to attack the system and policy as such. The systems currently under development would still preserve a policy of mutually assured destruction, permitting enemy missiles to have a “free ride” to our territory and citizens.
        The beginning of a limited deployment this year in Alaska and California is an important first step, but it is essential that such deployment be followed up with more ambitious and capable systems. Specifically, the proper direction for future missile defense should be toward space-based interceptors designed to counter the strategic threat posed by Russia and China. (Link) 

» Nov. 18: Lehner: BMD systems no threat to Russian or Chinese nuclear arsenal

» Nov. 17: Lehner: Space-based lasers, interceptors not planned or even contemplated

» More stories on: Policy

CIA Report on Proliferation

In a report to Congress yesterday, the CIA said that North Korea had repeatedly threatened to test, or “transfer,” a nuclear weapon. Furthermore, North Korea could test a long-range ballistic missile at any time, “potentially capable of reaching parts of the United States with a nuclear-weapon-sized payload.” These threats took place in April, and again in August 2003.
        The report also noted that Iran continues its ambitious nuclear program with significant aid from Pakistan, and that Beijing’s proliferation “remains of great concern.” Russia’s role in missile and nuclear proliferation, especially to Iran, was also discussed.  (Article, Link) 

» Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions

» More stories on: North Korea, Nuclear Weapons

IISS: Eight DF-31 Missiles Deployed

In its Military Balance review published in mid-October, the International Institute of Strategic Studies reported that China has deployed some eight DF-31 ICBMs, notes East Asia Intel. Although some claimed that this is the first report that the DF-31 (CSS-9) has actually been operationally deployed, this is not the case. Specifying that eight are deployed, however, is significant, and may be the first such count. Given the cautious methodology of the IISS, however, the actual number deployed may be considerably more. Department of Defense and CIA estimates have been more circumspect yet, not reporting that the DF-31 has been deployed at all. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: China

» Missile details: CSS-9 (DF-31)

Japan to Produce Patriot Interceptors

The U.S. has agreed to permit Japan to begin production of the Patriot (PAC-3) interceptor which will form a part of Japan’s layered missile defense system. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. is expected to begin building the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 in 2006, with a goal of deploying the land-based Patriot and sea-based missile defenses by 2008.
        The limited range of the Patriot interceptor is more adequate for Japan than for the United States, given the proximity to North Korean missiles, the significantly reduced speed of a shorter range missile, and the smaller territory to defend. Japan will likely supplement the PAC-3 with some form of the Aegis sea-based system, with the Standard Missile-3 and with a newer version. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Allies, Japan

» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)

U.S. Acquires S-300 Via Croatia

Citing the Croatian newspaper Zagreb Vjesni, Geostrategy Direct reports that the U.S. acquired a Russian air and missile defense system earlier this year. While the report identifies the system only as “S-300,” it is most likely the S-300PMU, more capable than the S-300V. The weapons system was reportedly shipped to America earlier this year.
        Update: Croatia was reported to have acquired an S-300P (SA-10 Grumble) system in 1994 from an unidentified country, variously identified on different occasions by Jane’s as Ukraine, Russia, or Israel—towards the end of its war with Yugoslavia, and therefore in violation of an international arms embargo. The system, reportedly incomplete, is said to have been shipped by airplane between August 10 and December of 1994. The SA-10 missile tubes were included in a military parade in Zagreb in May of 1995. In July 2000, it was reported that Croatia would return two of the S-300PMU systems to its unidentified country of origin.  (Article, Link) 

» S-300 PMU-2 Favorit and S-300VM systems on display at Jakharta, Indonesia airshow

» More stories on: Russian Missile Defenses

» Missile system details for: S-300P (SA-10 Grumble), S-300V (SA-12A Gladiator, SA-12B Giant)

China Complains that Taiwan is Building Missile Base

Taiwan is constructing a large base at Jiupeng, located in Pingdong Province, at which it will deploy defensive Patriot missile interceptors. China is calling the base the largest in Asia, and a threat to peace.

After decades of development, Jiupeng Base gathers all the island’s secrets in high-precision observation, calculation, missile guidance, research and development, and is the island’s sole camp of test missile launch and important long-range projecting system tests. As Taiwan military boasted, the whole base is a small “space center” and its controlling center is no less than a “Space Center Houston” in a smaller scale.

        The Xinhau news agency’s reference to the base as the largest in Asia must be properly understood, however. It is not as though the size of the missile base translates into a threat either to China or to other countries. China now has some 600 short range ballistic missiles off the coast of Taiwan, hundreds of cruise missiles, and a more advanced navy and air force. Taiwan’s capabilities are more defensive, but they are far from adequate. From China’s point of view, the concentration of so many important systems at one place could make it easier for them to all be destroyed together in a Chinese attack.  (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Allies, Taiwan

Successful Test of Patriot, THAAD Radar

The Missile Defense Agency today completed another successful test of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptor, at White Sands Missile Range. The test was described as “the most complex flight test scenario to date for PAC-3,” with some six missiles in the air at one time. Also of significance is that the test included the use of radar for the separate, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) ballistic missile system. Tests of THAAD are set to resume in 2005. (More »»») 

» MDA press release on PAC-3 test

» Orbital description of Storm Maneuvering Tactical Target Vehicle

» More stories on: Land-Based Systems, Testing - American

» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3), Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)

Powell: Iran Adapting Missiles to Carry Nuclear Warheads

Departing Secretary of State Colin Powell recently remarked that Iran is preparing its missile systems to carry nuclear weapons. Despite the attention to the story, however, Powell’s comments do not constitute any new revelation. Nor should they come as any surprise, especially given the aid Iran has been receiving from abroad, and in particular from China and Russia. Unless and until one puts together the pieces to see the larger geopolitical alliances responsible for proliferation, one will continue to be surprised by these numerous and apparently unrelated stories. (More »»») 

» Nov. 18: Interfax: Russia will continue to aid Iran’s nuclear program

» Apr. 27: John Bolton: Russia China proliferating; Iran lying about peaceful character of nuclear program

» Nov. 18: Powell remarks on Iranian nuclear modifications to missiles

» More stories on: China, Iran, Nuclear Weapons, Proliferation

» Missile details: Shahab-3, Shahab-4

Putin: Russia to Develop New Strategic Missile

President Vladimir Putin noted today, in a speech to the Russian military leadership, that Russia has been developing a new form of strategic weapon. Putin has affirmed Russia’s intention to do so on a number of occasions. Previous reports have suggested that the new weapon may consist of a hypersonic cruise missile or a hypersonic warhead for an existing missile, either of which could evade U.S. ballistic missile defenses. The United States yesterday tested the X-43 hypersonic system, reaching a new speed record of ten times the speed of sound.
        Although Putin’s speech today added few details, it is nevertheless notable. Putin said that Russia “is not only conducting research and successfully testing new nuclear-missile systems. I am sure that … they will be put in service within the next few years and, what is more, they will be developments of the kind that other nuclear powers do not and will not have,” according to ITAR-Tass, Russia’s state news agency.
        Of particular interest is Putin’s understanding that strategic forces and concern with terrorism go hand in hand, rather than being in competition with each other. “International terrorism is one of the major threats for Russia. We understand as soon as we ignore such components of our defense as a nuclear and missile shield, other threats may occur.” By contrast, some missile defense opponents in America depreciate missile defense as a distraction from the war on terror, when both are essential to American national security. (More »»») 

» CNN on Putin speech

» Update: Nov. 18: Experts say Putin remark refer to Bulava

» More stories on: Russia

» Missile details: SS-27, SS-NX-30, SS-26

New National Security Advisor Strong on Missile Defense

The Los Angeles Times today reports on the new National Security Advisor Stephen J. Hadley, and his strong support of ballistic missile defense and sound suspicion of previous approaches to arms control.
        The former deputy national security advisor to Condoleezza Rice, Hadley has noted the folly of a complete repudiation of nuclear weapons, a policy which weakens, rather than strengthens, deterrence by inviting attack. Hadley also shepherded missile defense efforts, working as assistant secretary of defense in the administration of George H. W. Bush. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Policy

Georgia to Test Upgraded Soviet-Era Defenses

Georgia is preparing a test of its S-125 air defense systems, inherited from the Soviet Union, according to a report by the Russian Interfax news agency. The tests are scheduled to take place at sea, and follow upon recent upgrades to the system. The S-125 air defense system is said to have a range of 25 km and a maximum altitude of 18 km. (Link) 

» Description of S-125

» Interfax report

» More stories on: Former Soviet Republics, Testing - Foreign

Sixth Interceptor in Place: First Phase of Deployment Complete

A sixth ballistic missile interceptor was yesterday installed in its silo at Fort Greely, Alaska. The interceptor is the last of those to be installed in 2004. An additional eight to ten will be emplaced in 2005, for a total of 14-16. Two interceptors are still due to be installed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California this year. The limited ground based midcourse defense system has yet to be declared operational, but such an announcement is expected before the end of the year. (Link) 

» MDA press release on installation of 6th interceptor

» More stories on: Deployment, Land-Based Systems

» Missile system details for: Fort Greely, Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI), Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD)

Belarus to Acquire Iskander Missiles

In recent years Russia has been developing a new version of the SS-X-26 Iskander ballistic missile, a short range tactical weapon designed as a successor to the SS-21 “Tochka” short range missiles previously deployed in Europe. In recent months there have been reports that the newly designed missile—apparently designed to overcome advances with the American Patriot missile interceptor—will be deployed as soon as 2005.
        Today the Minsk Belapan news agency reports that a number of these missiles will be sold to and deployed in Belarus sometime before 2010, citing a Colonel Henadz Shawrow.
        The description of the Iskander-E missile matches that given in recent months, namely that it has a range of about 280km. New to this report is that the missile can reportedly deliver multiple conventional warheads of 480 kilograms each, each warhead consisting of 54 separate bomblets. (The weight of such payloads, however, may be too large to be correct.) The description also mentions that it is useful for either point or area targeting—implying it has a high degree of accuracy—and that it “can overcome any anti-ballistic missile system,” confirming earlier suggestions that it can overcome the Patriot.
        The deployment will replace the Tochka-U (SS-21B) missiles currently in Belarus.  (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Former Soviet Republics, Russia

» Missile details: SS-26

Test Fire of Laser for ABL

The Missile Defense agency conducted its first ever demonstration test of the laser weapon which will be used on the developing Airborne Laser (ABL) program, announces Northrop Grumman.
        The ground-based test, called “First Light,” took place on November 10 at Edwards Air Force Base, in California, and involved the a simultaneous firing of all six laser modules comprising the Chemical Oxygen Iodine Laser (COIL), according to the press release. (Article, Link) 

» Northrop Grumman press release

» Nov. 1: Northrop Grumman offers laser weapon to army for mortar interception

» MDA release on laser test

» More stories on: Air, High Energy Defenses, Testing - American

» Missile system details for: Airborne Laser (ABL)

The Real Sources of Ballistic Missile Proliferation

An article in today’s Ha’aretz describes the work of a German scientist by the name of Robert Schmucker who has been making a case about the nature of ballistic missile proliferation, one which sounds similar to that so often made here, at Missilethreat.com. Namely, that the real sources of such a problem are less from the spontaneous research programs of rogue states, but rather primarily from the considerable, and perhaps not altogether unconscious, proliferation by China and Russia. An excerpt: (More »»») 

» More stories on: Analysis, China, Proliferation, Russia

France Updating SLBM Arsenal

France is set to award $1.55 billion in contracts for the first set of new submarine launched ICBMs. Development of the M-51 began in 1998, and it has been designed to replace the older M-45 missiles. Reuters reports that the M-51 will be deployed on French submarines by 2010; earlier estimates set the date at 2008.
        The Associated Press describes the contract as being for an unspecified number of missiles. It seems likely, however, that the number will be at least 64. France currently has 16 M-45 missiles deployed on each of four submarines, where the M-51 will also be deployed. When the M-45 entered service in 1997, 192 were reported to have been built. (Article, Link) 

» French description of M-51, M-45 missiles

» More stories on: Allies

» Missile details: M-45, M-51

Iran Can Mass Produce Shahab

Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani today announced that Iran is now capable of mass producing its Shahab-3 ballistic missile. “We are presently able to mass-produce the Shahab-3, just like we do with the Paykan,” the minister said, referring to Iran’s ubiquitous national automobile.
        Shamkhani said that Iran had mastered the necessary technology, and that there were no limits on production. Shamkhani denied that Iran would be developing a longer range missile, and that current increases in range (to 2,000km) were for the purpose of being able to fire it from anywhere in Iran. “These are Zionist words and their intention is to suggest Iran is seeking to threaten Europe…We don’t feel any threat from Europe and we don’t see the need to invest in this field.” (More »»») 

» More stories on: Iran

» Missile details: Shahab-3, Shahab-4

Two More Russian Missile Tests in 2004

Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov announced today, during a meeting with Russian President Putin, that Russia will conduct an additional two launches of ballistic missiles in 2004, of the silo-launched SS-18 (RS-20) heavy missile, and of the mobile Topol-M, the last test of the Topol-M before it is more fully adopted for service.
        At the meeting, Ivanov apparently referred to the SS-18 by its Western name, “Satan,” prompting Putin to call the missiles by the Russian name, saying, “Please use our own names, there is no need to say Satan and the like,” and “Let those people over there who have objections use the NATO terminology,” according to press reports. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Russia

» Missile details: SS-18 Mod 4, SS-27

Pro-China NSC Staff Delaying Patriot Sale to Taiwan

Pro-Chinese staff members of the White House National Security Council are said to be delaying the sale of Patriot missile defense interceptors to Taiwan—systems essential to the island’s deterrence of China’s rapid missile buildup. East Asia Intel reports that the “pro-China faction,” argues that since Taiwan’s military is infiltrated by Chinese agents, China could acquire additional classified technology. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Allies, China, Taiwan

» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)

India Again Launches Dhanush Missile

India yesterday successfully tested a nuclear-capable ship-launched missile from its eastern coast. The Dhanush missile was launched from a ship in the Bay of Bengal. (More »»») 

» Press release, Govt. of India

» AFP on Dhanush launch

» More stories on: India, Testing - Foreign

» Missile details: Dhanush

South Korea Deploys Short Range Missiles

South Korea is reported to have deployed some 100 ballistic missiles to target strategic targets in North Korea, to deter its neighbor to the North. The missiles are identified as the Hyonmu, with an extended range of 300 kilometers. The Hyonmu (or Hyon Mu) is an upgraded version of an NHK missile, a surface-to-surface variant of the American Nike-Hercules surface-to-air missile. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Allies

» Missile details: NHK-1/2

Russian Estimate of Chinese Strategic Arsenal

Interfax recently quoted Russian specialist Pavel Kamennov as estimating that China has some 252 strategic nuclear missiles, including 120 silo-based missiles, and 12 submarine-based missiles, notes East-Asia-Intel. China was also said to have 120 H-6 strategic bombers. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: China

Large, Unspecified Missile Contract for Siberia Plant

The RIA Novosti news agency reports that the Siberian Krasnoyarsk Machine-building Works, known as Krasmash, factory recently received a large but unspecified contract for work related to missiles. Anatoliy Perminov, head of Russian Federal Space Agency, described the contract as “a very substantial state order to do with the topic of missiles” for 2005.
        For years, Krasnoyarsk was the location of the Soviet Union’s ballistic missile defense radar, the existence of which was long denied by the Evil Empire, and which the Soviets did not admit was a flagrant violation of the ABM Treaty until 1989. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Russia

India Launches Brahmos

India test-fired a supersonic cruise missile Wednesday, launching it from an Indian destroyer near the eastern coast of Orissa. The Brahmos cruise missile, which has been developed jointly by India and Russia, is said to have a range of 290 kilometers with a conventional warhead—weighing, according to various reports, 200 or 300kg—and was designed to be launched from ships, submarines or planes. Today’s test reportedly took place from a destroyer, the INS Rajput, from the Bay of Bengal. (More »»») 

» More stories on: Cruise Missiles, India, Russia, Testing - Foreign

» Cruise missile details: BrahMos PJ-10, BrahMos SSC-5

Russia Launches Two Missiles

While America was electing a president, Russia today tested two ballistic missiles, symbols of its status as a major power capable of threatening the West. The mobile land-based SS-25 (Topol) missile was launched from the Pletesk cosmodrome located some 200 miles northeast of St. Petersburg, and traveled to the missile range on the far eastern Kamchatka peninsula. The SS-N-18 (R-29R) missile was launched from a submarine of the Pacific Fleet, the Project 667BDR (Delta III)-class St. George the Victor, in the Sea of Okhotsk (next to the Kamchatka peninsula). (More »»») 

» Podvig on missile launches

» More stories on: Russia, Testing - Foreign

» Missile details: SS-25, SS-N-18 Mod 1, SS-N-18 Mod 3

Northrop Offers High Energy Laser to Army

Northrop Grumman has offered the US Army a directed-energy laser weapon which could be ready within 18 months, reports Jane’s.
        The weapon is termed the High Energy Laser for Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (HELRAM) defense system, which has been derived from its work on the U.S.-Israel joint work on the Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL)—and perhaps also its work on the Airborne Laser (ABL).  (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: High Energy Defenses, Israel

New Chinese Missile, B-611

Citing Reuters, The New Zealand Herald reports that a new Chinese short-range ballistic missile was revealed November 1. The missile’s stated range is 80-150km makes it possibly sufficient to strike Taiwan (~160km distant), according to information distributed at the Zhuhai air show. The missile is given the appellation “B-611.” the B-611 was further described as “an effective weapon in the battlefield for fire support and an important attacking force in modern conventional wars.”
        Update: November 11: East Asia Intel reports that Chinese descriptions of the missile at the airshow compared it to the Russian SS-X-26, also known as Stone, Tender, or Iskander. The missile is also said to have a payload capacity of 480kg, and an accuracy (Circular Error of Probability) of 150 meters.  (Article, Link) 

» Oct. 30: Chinese airshow to sport new military equipment

» Nov. 2: AFP: Display is first of Chinese surface-to-surface missiles

» More stories on: China, Taiwan

» Missile details: B-611, SS-26

Solomonov Urges Funding for New Missiles, Pledges Completion of Topol-M Tests

Yury Solomonov, head of the Moscow-based Heat Technology Institute—an organization known for its specialization of designing missiles to overcome missile defenses—recently called on the Russian government to fully fund the up-and-coming advanced submarine-based ballistic missile, the SS-N-30 or Bulava, and its land-based equivalent, the Topol-M. The former has yet to be test launched; the latter has undergone a number of tests, and a number of the Topol-Ms are already deployed. It is believed that the two missiles will together form the mainstay of Russia’s military arsenal for the coming decades, replacing older missiles based on land and sea.
        Solomonov also commented that production of the Topol-Ms had temporarily twice come to a halt in the past year due to insufficient funding.
        On October 29 Solomonov pledged that the tests of the Topol-M would be completed this year, with perhaps another launch in December. Four Topol-Ms are also scheduled to be deployed in December 2004, and another ten in 2005-2006.  (Link) 

» Nov. 1: Interfax: Solomonov urges Bulava funding

» Nov. 1: Moscow Times: Topol M production twice came to stop

» Oct. 29: Interfax: Topol M testing to be completed in 2004

» More stories on: Russia

» Missile details: SS-27, SS-NX-30