Plesetsk, Russia
Russia test–launched a new intercontinental ballistic missile this week that it claimed could penetrate any missile defense. The RS–24 can carry multiple, independently targetable warheads. “As of today, Russia has new missiles that are capable of overcoming any existing or future missile defense systems,” said Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov. “So in terms of defense and security, Russia can look calmly to the country’s future.” Russia began upgrading its missile capability after the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the Anti–Ballistic Missile Treaty in 2002. At that time, the U.S. announced plans to deploy a national missile defense shield with components based in Eastern Europe, a move Russia has strongly denounced.
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