"Thomas J. Paladino Jr." wrote in message ...
Apparently, that much anticipated Russian military exercise culminated in
the disintegration of one of their showpiece weapons, the SS-N-23 ICBM. Two
were supposed to be launched from a nuclear sub, but one exploded shortly
after launch, and the other one was called off.
Rummors which were proved by many media reporters on the site
to be lie later on.
This was of course followed
by a prompt official denial, and statement referring to the exercise as a
total success.
Lie again. One SS-N-23 was fired and after 92 sec of normal flight went
astray and selfliquidated.
The Russian media naturally didn't even mention it.
The event was reported by all russian media with reference on
the primary source the russian NAVY.
Well I guess that this one really blew up in their face (no pun intended).
This little display was meant to show the world (i.e. the USA) that Russia
still maintained a lethal and reliable deterrent, but now all they have done
is demonstrated exactly how bad the situation with their military truly is.
If they can't even launch two missiles under ideal peaceful conditions,
during a test planned and rehearsed several months in advance, then how can
they be expected to perform under spontaneous wartime conditions? If
anything, I am far less concerned about Russian nuclear capability now then
ever before.
http://www.spacewar.com/2004/040218161827.uu2xifpy.html
http://www.spacewar.com/2004/040217164152.pa3knwh6.html
In reality however of 3 ICMB which were fired yesterday 2 successfully
performed its missions and one went astray. One of successful missions
was PS-18 (Stilleto) equipped by new highly accurate MIRV warheads capable
for manoeuvring at hypersonic speeds. Putin declared that this test was
fully success and this type of new MIRVs will goes in duty service
immideately. He told that he informed Mr. Bush about this new development
and said that it is not directed against US AMB system, rather it is
directed against international terrorist organizations.
Michael