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Russia Will Double Number of Nuclear Tests This Year
The branch of the Russian Armed Forces that controls Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Tests has big plans for 2016.
The total number of warheads they plan to test will double from 8 launches in 2015, to 16 this year, marking a dramatic rise amid increasing tensions with the West.
More: U.S. Cold War Nuclear Target Lists Declassified for First Time
“For 2016 we [have] planned 16 test launches [of] intercontinental ballistic missiles, including flight test procedures for advanced weapons, and control of the technical readiness of missile systems that entered service. The number of test launches should increase next year,” the Russian defence ministry told reporters.
The strategic missile troops that administer the tests said that the increase will come alongside more tactical and special training exercises in 2016.
"The training will take place in a difficult and tense environment, with the involvement of joint force forces and means,” according to the Defence Ministry.
Some of the tests will involve launching the brand new hypersonic missile YU-71, capable of carrying nuclear warheads that experts fear could penetrate existing NATO defence systems.
China also recently tested its hypersonic strike vehicle called “Wu-14,” which has been tested at least four times since January 2014. The weapon, which can carry nuclear warheads while travelling at 7,000 mph, can also reportedly neutralise NATO anti-missile shields.
Footage released of #nuclear 'Minuteman' #missile test #launch: https://t.co/tau61r3B44pic.twitter.com/y43EEvHZng
— British Forces News (@ForcesNews) October 23, 2015Russia is phasing out all Soviet-era ICBMs and replacing them with new modernised weapon systems, hoping to complete the refit by 2022.
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