Weapons

Russian Missile To “Neutralise” NATO Defences

Russian Strategic Missile Forces commander Colonel-General Sergey Karakayev has ruled out the use of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) against ISIS targets for the time being, but emphasised that the country is ready to utilise ICBMs at a moment’s notice. Karakayev also indicated that Russia is taking steps that would “guarantee neutralising” any future NATO missile defence deployments in Europe.

“I see no point in using intercontinental ballistic missiles to destroy Islamic State targets. There are other means for that capable of doing this. Rational planning boils down to the fact that each facility is assigned a means of destruction that is most effective,” Karakayev said in a news conference ahead of the Strategic Missile Forces Day. However, “[i]f the relevant political decision is taken, the Strategic Missile Forces are ready to perform any task,” he added, stressing that the use of ICBMs equipped with any warhead was authorised by Russian President Vladimir Putin.