Weekend of Russian missile demonstrations

In the biggest exercise of its kind since the Cold War, Russia has followed the Saturday firing of a brand new intercontinental missile with a triple firing on Sunday, one of which was attended by President Medvedev.

22 minutes after a 21-year-old Topol was fired from Plessetsk. It hit its target in Kamchatka, 6000 kilometres away, while the smoke still lingered at the launchpad.

All the tests were carred live on state television to enhance Medvedev’s image as Commander-in-Chief, and to send a message to Washington. The Russians claim newer versions of the Topol and other brand new weapons can avoid American anti-missile systems like the one being deployed in eastern Europe.