US accuses Russia of needless muscle-flexing

Published: 11/9/1999

Following the recent launch of an anti-missile rocket from the Sary-Shagan test site in Kazakhstan, Russia test-fired another tactical missile on 4th November 1999, from the Kapustin Yar test site in Astrakhan Oblast. According to a report in Interfax, Vladimir Yakovlev, Russian Commander of the Strategic Rocket Forces, claimed that the launch would extend the life service of the SS-21 missile to 22 years. The SS-21 was first deployed in 1976 and an improved version was introduced ten years later. William Cohen, US Defence Secretary, has accused Russia of “overstating its case", by such a visible opposition to US plans to develop a limited national missile defence system. He said that the test firing merely confirmed that Russia has an ABM system, in contrast to the US, adding that: “I am not sure of the point they are trying to make".

Article ID: 1063