MOSCOW. Nov 24 (Interfax-AVN) - The first three launchers of the Topol-M mobile ground-based missile system have been put on test duty in the Teikovo division of the Strategic Missile Forces (SMF) in the Ivanovo region, an SMF spokesman told Interfax-AVN on Friday.
"In addition to launchers of the Topol-M system, the missile division's inventory was reinforced by combat duty support vehicles and other hardware intended for ensuring the system's functioning," the spokesman said.
SMF Commander Colonel General Nikolai Solovtsov told Interfax-AVN earlier that the first three mobile Topol-M systems would be fielded in 2006.
Topol-M systems, both mobile and silo-based, will be the backbone systems of the SMF after decommissioning of RS-12M Topol, RS-18 Stiletto and RS-20 Satan.
Experts believe that the Topol-M mobile system is second to none in the world. It is adapted to counter future missile defense systems. It also features improved mobility and jamming-proof capabilities.
The system's missile has a launch weight of 42.7 tonnes, a combat load of 1,200 kg, and a range of over 10,000 km. Its three engines allow it to speed away considerably faster than previous types of missiles. In addition to that several dozen auxiliary engines and guidance equipment facilitate a flight unpredictable to the enemy. Topol-M designers say that the missile is totally proof to electromagnetic pulse.