NEWS: Russia Test-Fires New Topol-M Ballistic Missile, page 1

Russia has successfully test fired a mobile version of their new Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile. The missile which is capable of having multiple warheads can hit targets over 6200 miles away. Russian officials have indicated that full production and deployment could occur early next year. This is another step in President Putin�s drive to rebuild the Russian military.

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MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia successfully test-fired a mobile version of the intercontinental Topol-M ballistic missile on Friday in the last of four test-firings before its deployment next year, Interfax news agency reported.

Known as Russia's most sophisticated nuclear missile, it can be fitted with a single or multiple warheads and hit targets more than 6,200 miles away.

The firing was part of President Vladimir Putin's plan to turn Russia, whose Soviet-era missile arsenal needs serious renewal and financing, into a major global military and nuclear power.

Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov, who supervised Friday's firing from a mobile launch pad in Plesetsk in Arctic Russia, said its financing would start early next year.

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The bear may be sleeping but make no mistake it is still a potent threat. No doubt there is a small bit of saber rattling in all of this. Putin is wary of further NATO expansion eastward. He has already accused the organization of seeking to isolate Russia. No doubt if the pro-West candidate in the Ukrainian election wins, a NATO membership may come soon.