[Mo1]

FYI

[Mr. Mojo]

Russia will replace single nuclear warheads on some of its strategic missiles with multiple warheads,

MIRVs? Isn't that in violation of the START treaty? Time to MIRV-up our LGM-30 Minuteman ICBM force in response.

[samtheman]

This might be an indication of how worried they are of our anti-missle capability.

[windsorknot]

"Well, boys, I reckon this is it: nuclear combat, toe-to-toe with the Ruskies."

[kronos77]

April 2, 1999: The Duma postpones a scheduled vote on START II ratification to protest NATO’s bombing campaign against Yugoslavia, which started March 24 after Serbia refused to halt military actions against Kosovar Albanians seeking autonomy. (Moscow has historically allied itself with

Attack on Serbia started on march 24th, and within days, on April 2nd, Duma, postponded Start2

Yet, on May 4th:

May 4, 2000: Putin signs the resolution of ratification for START II and its extension protocol. The legislation makes exchange of the instruments of ratification (required to bring the treaty into force) contingent on U.S. ratification of the 1997 extension proto- col and ABM-related agreements.

But:

December 13, 2001: U.S. President George W. Bush issues a six- month notice to withdraw from the ABM Treaty, stating, “I have concluded the ABM Treaty hinders our government’s ability to develop ways to protect our people from future terrorist or rogue- state missile attacks.”

Finaly:

June 13, 2002: U.S. withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty takes effect

Followed by:

June 14, 2002: Russian President Vladimir Putin declares that Russia is no longer bound by its signature of START II, ending his country’s efforts to bring the treaty into force.
http://www.armscontrol.org/pdf/Start2-Chron.pdf

[RightWhale]

Don't tell Putin we can see his mobile launchers on Google_Earth.

[pctech]

The Russian bear continues to stir to life once again. Anyone still think Russia is our friend?

[Leisler]

Something like %80% of major businesses are run by ex security or military officers.
Russia is losing population.
Average mortality age of Russian male is 50
Highest rates of abortion in the world.
High rates of Muslim growth, such that by 2050 Russia could be a Muslim nation.
Putin is stealing, chasing away foreign skilled workers and investment.
Russian state is taking over Vodka production, such that massive bootlegging is producing liver/people killing rotgut.
The Russian Navy is way down and now takes a decade from keel to launch. Large and growing corruption at all levels. Other than that, things are great.

[M. Espinola]

The Kremlin's advanced, expanding ICBM force is being modernized with the addition of the SS-X-27 which can be MIRVed x6. Russian & Red Chinese strategic missiles (below) with nuclear warheads continue to pose a grave threat to US.

Both Putin's "neo-Soviet" Russia & Red China continue developing new, longer range strategic missile systems, many with MIRV capabilities. Somebody is planning for all out nuclear war.

If the START II treaty is ratified by the Russian Duma and the New York Protocols are ratified by the Duma and the US Senate, ICBMs with MIRV payloads will be banned after 2007. Washington would be very unwise not being even more prepared to counter any threat.

Additional Russian ICBM data & photos can be reviewed this FR thread "The Resurgent Bear" posted by Tailgunner Joe.

[M. Espinola]

Update:

Sergei Ivanov, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, and Russian President Vladimir Putin (left to right) inspecting mobile Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile systems while on a visit to a division of the Strategic Missile Forces deployed in Teikovo, Ivanovo Region.

(From left to right, foreground): Vice-Premeir, Defence Minister Sergey Ivanov, President Vladimir Putin and the strategic missile troops' commander-in-chief Colonel General Nikolai Solovtsov on observing the land-based mobile strategic missile system Topol-M while visiting the guards strategic missile division in the town of Teikovo, Ivanovo region.

Land-based mobile strategic missile system Topol-M getting into position trategic missile division in the town of Teikovo, Ivanovo Region

[M. Espinola]

Update:

Sergei Ivanov, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, and Russian President Vladimir Putin (left to right) inspecting mobile Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile systems while on a visit to a division of the Strategic Missile Forces deployed in Teikovo, Ivanovo Region.

(From left to right, foreground): Vice-Premeir, Defence Minister Sergey Ivanov, President Vladimir Putin and the strategic missile troops' commander-in-chief Colonel General Nikolai Solovtsov on observing the land-based mobile strategic missile system Topol-M while visiting the guards strategic missile division in the town of Teikovo, Ivanovo region.

Land-based mobile strategic missile system Topol-M getting into position trategic missile division in the town of Teikovo, Ivanovo Region

[SeaBiscuit]

Calling Dr. Strangelove.. they're at it again.