Russia to keep silo-based ballistic missiles in future

"To successfully accomplish the set tasks, the SMF will continue to have silo-based missile systems, which can provide an immediate response [to threats] and mobile systems featuring high survivability," Col. Gen. Andrei Shvaichenko said.
The general said the development of the SMF will stress the introduction of advanced missile systems although the existing systems will be kept operational until their extended service life expires.
"By the end of 2016, the missile systems with extended service life will constitute no more than 20% of the total, while the share of new missile systems will be about 80%," Shvaichenko said.
Silo-based missiles constitute 45% of Russia's total ballistic missile arsenal. They carry about 85% of nuclear warheads deployed by the SMF.
An outline of the new pact was agreed during the presidents' bilateral summit in Moscow in July and includes cutting their countries' nuclear arsenals to 1,500-1,675 operational warheads and delivery vehicles to 500-1,000.
The draft treaty is expected to be ready by the end of 2009; Kazinform cites RIA Novosti. See www.en.rian.ru for full version.