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11/18/2004:

"Russia develops nuclear system to evade defence"

Vladimir Putin announced yesterday that Russia was developing a nuclear missile system that he claimed was unrivalled in the world.

The president said Russia was "testing the most up-to-date nuclear missile systems" which would be put into service "in the next few years".

"What is more, they will be developments of the kind that other nuclear powers do not and will not have," Mr Putin added in televised remarks to high-ranking military officers.

His brief statement was seen as both an attempt to boost military morale and a hint that Russia's nuclear deterrent would not be rendered obsolete by the US launch of a missile defence shield.

Washington reacted cautiously to Russia's nuclear designs last night, viewing them as consistent with bilateral treaties. "We do not perceive Russia's nuclear sustainment and modernisation activities as threatening," said the state department spokesman Adam Ereli.

Mr Putin, who meets George Bush this weekend in Chile, appeared to refer to a new nuclear warhead delivery system that a senior Russian military official said in February had been successfully tested.

It is claimed the warhead can detach from the main missile during the final stages of its descent, and then continue to fly like a cruise missile, evading any missile defence shield.
Full Article:guardian.co.uk