According to a knowledgeable source, Russia has successfully launched a new ICBM from the Plesetsk cosmodrome. Details of the tests were not disclosed.
TASS reported about the tests of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), citing an informed source. The launch took place in the middle of this month. The product was developed by specialists from the Moscow Institute of Heat Engineering (MIT).
At various times, MIT has developed such ballistic missiles as Topol, Topol-M, Bulava and Yars. The latter was created as a replacement for the Soviet UR-100N UTTH missile. Together with the Topol-M complex, it should in the foreseeable future become the basis of the strike group of the Strategic Missile Forces.
This year it became known about the start of the development of the Kedr ICBM, which should exist in mine and mobile versions. Development work is expected to begin around 2023-2024. “If it turns into development work after a while, then it will be possible to speak substantively. So far, this is deep research,”a source in the rocket and space industry said this year.
The newest Avangard complex is seen as an important part of the Russian nuclear triad. It is based on a hypersonic guided warhead launched by an UR-100N UTTH intercontinental ballistic missile. Earlier, a video was posted on the Web, where you could see the appearance of the new complex.
The appearance of the ballistic missile "Avangard" was first shown on video
They are actively working on updating the strategic arsenal not only in Russia, but also in the West. Recently, the Americans called the timing of the first launch of a promising Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) ballistic missile: tests are scheduled for 2023. In the future, the product will replace the famous Minuteman III missile in the service of the US Air Force.
According to plans, the GBSD will achieve initial combat readiness in 2029, and full combat readiness in 2036. By that time, the total number of new missiles should be 400 units.
In addition, in the future, the Americans want to create a strategic submarine of the new generation Columbia, which would replace the Ohio-class boat in the Navy.
The head submarine of a new type may become part of the US Navy around the early 2030s. The boat will receive 16 missile silos to accommodate Trident D5 missiles. It is noteworthy that the old Ohio submarines have a much larger stock of weapons - each such submarine (in the strategic version) carries 24 Trident D5 missiles.