Opened silo of a Topol-M missile, 2001. AP Photo
The Russian Strategic Missile Force (SMF) is going to double the number of missile launches from 6 to 12 in 2018, SMF Commander Col. Gen. Sergei Karakayev said in an interview with a newspaper of the defense ministry, Krasnaya Zvezda.
“In 2017, five launches were held, and one more is scheduled. In 2018, we intend to hold 12 launches,” he told.
Karakayev also revealed that the SMF will get over 20 new Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) systems in 2018. There will be silo-based and mobile versions of the systems.
The RS-24 Yars (NATO reporting name SS-27 Mod 2) is an upgraded version of the Topol-M (SS-25 Sickle) missile system.
