Russia test-fires ICBM

Russia successfully test-fired a Topol RS-12M intercontinental ballistic missile, a Defense Ministry spokesman said.

The missile, put into service in 1985 and referred to as a SS-25 Sickle by NATO, has a maximum range of 10,000 kilometers (6,125 miles) and can carry a nuclear warhead with a yield of up to 550 kilotons.

The Defense Ministry says it intends to retire most of its SS-18 Satan, SS-19 Stiletto and SS-25 Sickle ICBMs, and replace them with SS-27 Sickle-B (Topol-M) and RS-24 Yars missiles by 2021, RIA Novosti said.

Russia successfully test-fires Topol ballistic missile

A nuclear-capable missile RS-12M Topol has been successfully test-fired in Russia’s south as part of a series of tests of new combat equipment.

At over 29.5 meter in length and 1.7 meter in diameter, it is approximately the same size and shape as the US’s Minuteman ICBM. 

Specifications: 

Weight: 45,100 kg (99,400 lb) 

Length: 21.5 m (71 ft) 

Diameter: 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) 

Operational range: 10,500 km (6,500 mi) 

In service: 1988 to present 

NATO classification: SS-25 Sickle