Facts[i] [ii]
| Russian/NATO Designation | RS-12M Topol/SS-25 Sickle |
| Mobility and Role | Road-Mobile Intercontinental Ballistic Missile |
| Developer/Country | Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology, Russian Federation |
| Years in Development | 1977-1985 |
| Weight | ~45,000 Kilograms |
| Length/Diameter | 21.5m/1.8m |
| Warhead(s) | 1 Nuclear Warhead |
| Stages/Propellant | Three Stage, Solid Fuel |
| Range/Circular Error Probable | 11,000km/~300m |
| Status | 72 units deployed, currently being phased out and replaced by the RS-12M2 (NATO: SS-27 Sickle B) |
Overview
The RS-12M (Topol) is a Russian road mobile ICBM. Development of this weapon system was begun by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technologies in 1977. Evolving from the RSD-10 intermediate range ballistic missile, this system is similar in size and shape to the United States’ LGM-30 Minuteman ICBM. The RS-12M was declared operational and deployed with the Russian Strategic Rocket Force in 1985. The three stage rocket has a range of approximately 11,000 kilometers and a maximum warhead weight of 1,000 kilograms. While the missile is MIRV-capable, and has been armed as such in the past, it is currently deployed with just a single warhead. The RS-12M is also fitted with decoys and is considered to be capable of defeating missile defense systems. [iii]
The late 1990s saw in excess of 350 RS-12Ms within the Russian Strategic Forces arsenal. As of January 2016, it is believed that only 72 of these missiles remain in service. The RS-12M has long exceeded its service life, and is expected to be fully replaced with the RS-12M2 (Topol-M) by 2020. [iv]
Timeline
2020: Planned phase out date.
2016: 72 units believed to remain in service.
2010: Roughly when the service life of the RS-12Ms is maxed out.
1996: Full deployment of 350+ RS-12Ms is attained.
1988: The deployment of the RS-12M begins in earnest.
1985: The RS-12M is declared operational.
1977: The development of the RS-12M begins.
Sources
[i] https://fas.org/programs/ssp/nukes/nuclearweapons/NASIC2013_050813.pdf
[ii] https://fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/icbm/rt-2pm.htm
