The RS-24 is a new-generation intercontinental ballistic missile, which is equipped with a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) warhead, was first tested on May 29, 2007 after a secret military R&D project, and then again on December 25, 2007.
"The RS-24 ICBM will enter service in 2009," Col. Gen. Nikolai Solovtsov said adding that two more test launches of RS-24 are planned for this year from the Plesetsk space center in northwest Russia.
The high-ranking official also said that in total Russia plans to carry out 11 test and military training ICBM launches in 2008.
The RS-24 ICBM, which will replace the older SS-18 and SS-19 missiles by 2050, is expected to greatly strengthen the SMF's strike capability and Russia's nuclear deterrent, as well as that of its allies until the mid-21st century.
The SMF commander earlier said that new missile systems will enable the force to infiltrate any missile defense systems, even those that have not yet been established.
He also said Russia is putting an average of three mobile and three or four fixed-site missile launching systems into operation every year, and that Russia would double its test launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles after 2009.
