The Russian military department successfully launched a completely new prototype ICBM from the Plesetsk cosmodrome. The second launch of the new modification of the Yars and Topol missiles was successful, which could not be said about the first launch. All these launches are planned to be used to create a new system that will successfully withstand the American European missile defense system.
It is reported that the successful start took place at 10:15 Moscow time on May 23. The missile and Space Forces specialists have carried out extensive preparations for the launch of a new rocket using a mobile launcher. The launch pad of the Plesetsk cosmodrome was used to test the effectiveness of the launch characteristics. The tasks assigned to the personnel were successfully completed. Such an assessment of the launch is given by the colonel of the Strategic Missile Forces Vadim Koval.
He said the main purpose of this launch was to test the effectiveness of the experimental data that were used to create an intercontinental ballistic missile. This also includes monitoring of technological solutions that took place during the design of the rocket. The study concerned the systems of the rocket, its components and assemblies. If we consider that the rocket successfully hit the target at the Kamchatka Kura test site, then we can say that the design and preparation of the rocket for launch was more than successful.
Missile specialists confirm the information that the current launch of ICBMs is indeed the second. The previous (first) one took place at the end of September last year. The media were silent about the first launch, as it was highly secret. The silence was also due to the fact that that launch was unsuccessful. In September, a prototype of a new rocket could not reach Kamchatka, but fell near the launch pad. It is reported that it was then possible to avoid human casualties, but the damage from the unsuccessful launch was estimated by experts at several tens of millions of rubles - without taking into account the design costs.
Interestingly, the military tried to hide the unsuccessful launch from President Medvedev, who allegedly could cut spending on defense activities. It is still unclear whether Dmitry Medvedev found out about the failed launch at that time, but that is not the point. As we know, no one began to cut spending on the defense industry, and those who spoke about such an opportunity paid with their ministerial posts.
Today, the main secret remains something else - what kind of rocket was launched the other day from the Plesetsk cosmodrome? This is all the more interesting, since quite recently Vladimir Putin, when he was the head of the Cabinet of Ministers, reported that Russia had something that would make it possible to nullify all the efforts of the Americans in their attempts to build a European missile defense system without the participation of the Russian Federation.
It is not known for certain, but there are versions that the target in Kamchatka was hit by an upgraded modification of the Yars missile. This modification can carry 1,500 kg more combat load than the usual RS-24. This is taking into account the fact that the Yars itself is too tough for the American missile defense system. It ("Yars") is a modernized version of the "Topol", which has managed to prove itself very well.
There is information that the modernized Yars can become part of the new Avangard project, which is very promising. Its combat characteristics may be such that no anti-missile system existing in the world can destroy this missile. The difference between Avangard is that it can have warheads with its own engines, which will allow it to overcome absolutely any missile defense system of a potential enemy. These warheads, according to experts, may well be integrated with other missiles, for example, with the Bulava.
It is worth saying that today the Strategic Missile Forces are almost openly saying that the recent launch is the very asymmetric response to the Americans. The ballistic missile being tested is an opportunity to prove to the United States that Russia will not wait to be completely gripped, but will not be the first to escalate the situation.
If this asymmetric response is indeed viable, then one may not react particularly violently to what the Americans are trying to do in terms of their adaptive approach to missile defense.
The successful launch of the new missile will clearly give the American side a reason to think about their actions, because it is already obvious that due to new developments, Russia's nuclear shield is being improved more and more.
