December 10, 2004

Older models of mobile ICBMs (SS-24s) are being withdrawn from service, apparently because they are unreliable. A new mobile missile, using the proven SS-25 (Topol-M) will be introduced in two years. Russia will retire many older ICBMs, despite earlier efforts to keep them in service. Apparently recent inspections of current ICBMs shows many to be of questionable readiness.