Russia to boost its ballistic arsenal with new missiles and testing, commander says
Hindustan TimesBy Lidia Kelly Russia to boost its ballistic arsenal with new missiles and testing, commander says -Russia is boosting its ballistic arsenal with new strategic missile systems, plans maximum-range launches and may increase testing in response to growing external threats, a senior Russian military commander said on Monday. In a clear warning that Russia will respond if it deems its security is threatened, Sergei Karakayev, the commander of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces, said the country plans maximum-range test launches as part of testing new systems. Karakayev said Russia's new state armament development programme will consider various options for the development of strategic offensive weapons by Russia and will take into account similar moves by the U.S. after the expiration of the New START nuclear arms treaty between the countries in 2026. Russia's armament programme ensures that Russia's strategic missile forces are equipped with mobile missile systems, Karakayev said.