Days After Summit, Russia Announced New Missile, Laser Tests

Tests are aimed at progressing already announced systems

Jason Ditz Posted onJuly 19, 2018CategoriesNewsTagsRussia

Just days after the successful summit between Presidents Trump and Putin, Russia has announced tests of a range of weapons systems. On Thursday, theDefense Ministry said tests are planned for laser systems, nuclear-capable cruise missiles, and an underwater drone.

Russia’s Peresvet laser system

These are the same weapons Russia unveiled plans for back in March, their next generation of conventional and nuclear arms. Russian officials have branded them “super weapons,” and have said they are designed to totally circumvent US missile defenses to maintain a balance of power.

Russian officials say that the tests are practice on the use of the high-powered Peresvet laser and the Poseidon underwater drone, alone with a switch to flight trials at Sarmat missile complex.

Russian officials have said the cruise missiles being developed are nuclear-capable missiles with “unlimited range.” They have said these missiles will be beyond the capacity of any US systems to intercept, which is likely not difficult given the limited success US missile defense has actually had.

https://news.antiwar.com/2018/07/19/days-after-summit-russia-announced-new-missile-laser-tests/