By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Russia’s Strategic Missile Force plans to test-fire 11 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) in 2013, after firing only five this year, its commander said Friday.
“In 2013, we plan to fire 11 ICBMs, the main aim being the life-extension of existing missile systems and state acceptance trials of future systems,” said Col. Gen. Sergei Karakayev.
A new automated battle management system (ASBU) is also being introduced for the force which will allow rapid re-targeting of ICBMs, he said.
“The force is currently undertaking introduction of a fourth-generation automated battle management system, which, while undertaking the traditional role of authentication of commands, collating reports and controlling launch stations, will also guarantee automated alteration of plans and operational re-targeting of missiles,” he said.
By 2020, the whole of the force will be equipped with modern digital communications, he added.