Russia, U.S. could be headed for ‘missile arms race’ in Eastern Europe

NATO officials are urging Russia to begin observing once again the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces bilateral U.S.-Russia treaty, which bans land-based missiles that have ranges between 500km and 5,500km (310 miles – ~3,400 miles).

If Russia does not, the U.S. may begin development of a new intermediate-range ballistic missile as well that it will eventually deploy in Europe.

“Allies have identified a Russian missile system that raises serious concerns,” reads a statement from the alliance. “NATO urges Russia to address these concerns in a substantial and transparent way, and actively engage in a technical dialogue with the United States.”

Meanwhile, according to U.S. officials, the administration is taking “economic and military measures” to force Russia back into compliance according to State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert. Those measures include the development of a new American cruise missile that falls within the class prohibited by the INF treaty.

In particular, the U.S. is concerned about Moscow’s ongoing development of the Novator 9M729 land-based cruise missile, which is likely a development of the Kalibr-NK naval cruise missile. [source]



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