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Presentation Of Controversial Cruise Missile A Fake, Says U.S. Intelligence Report

Source: Daily Beast

February 18 2019

Russia

A Russian military presentation about a controversial cruise missile had little to do with the actual weapon, according to a U.S. intelligence briefing cited by the Daily Beast (U.S.). 

During a Jan. 23 press conference, Russian officials presented what they claimed to be a copy of the schematics of the 9M729, a missile that Washington says violates the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty. 

Reporters were also allowed to view the launcher and carrier. The missile itself was not shown. 

Russian Defense Ministry representatives said the missile was a variant of an existing cruise missile, the 9M728, with improved guidance systems. 

The schematics presented to reporters did not belong to the 9M729, according to a U.S. intelligence source. The launch vehicle that was shown was not compatible with the system, said the source. 

The joint assessment by the CIA and National Geospatial Intelligence Agency said that Russia had conducted six tests of the 9M729 that exceed 310 miles (500 km). The missile, dubbed the SSC-8 by the U.S., traveled 1,290 miles (2,070) in the longest trial.

Moscow only test-fired the missile at a range of 220 miles (350 km) from a road-mobile launcher in an effort to appear compliant with the INF treaty. U.S. intelligence ascertained that Russia had modified the missile that had been tested to treaty-violating ranges for use on a road-mobile launcher, thereby violating the accord. 

Since 2014, Washington has argued that the missile violates the 1987 agreement, which forbids the deployment of ballistic missiles with ranges between 310 miles and 3,400 miles (5,500 km) in Europe.

Earlier in February, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the U.S. was suspending its participation in the agreement. Days later, Moscow announced it would do the same.

Experts have warned of the potential for a renewed arms race in Europe as a result.

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