Facts
| Russian/NATO Designation | UR-100N/SS-19 Stiletto |
| Variants | SS-19 Mod 1; SS-19 Mod 2; SS-19 Mod 3 |
| Mobility and Role | Silo Launched |
| Designer/Producer | OKB-52 |
| Range | 10,000 km |
| Warhead Type and Weight | Nuclear – 105.6 t |
| MIRV and Yield | 6 x 705 kt |
| Guidance System/Accuracy | Inertial |
| CEP | 220-380 m |
| Stages/Propellant | 2/Liquid |
| IOC/Retirement | 1975/Still Active |
| Status/Number of Units | Operational/Unknown |
| Launch Vehicles | Silo Launched |
Development
The Russian UR-100N / SS-19 Stiletto is a Soviet-made two-stage, liquid-propelled ICBM. Deployed beginning in 1975 to partially replace the SS-11 ICBM force, [1] the SS-19 is similar in design to the SS-11 Sego but with increased size and accuracy. The SS-19 is also similar to the Russian SS-18 Satan, as they use the same guidance and control systems, which permit remote monitoring and in-flight control of the missile. [2] The ignition system of the SS-19 is hot launched, meaning ignition of the main engine occurs while the missile is still in the silo.
There have been three deployed configurations of the SS-19: mod 1, mod 2, and mod 3. The SS-19 mod 1 is designed to carry up to six MIRVs and began deployment in 1975, with 60 launchers deployed by the end of the year. [3] After deployment, developers discovered problems with the accuracy of the missile and carried out modifications to correct the issue. [4] The SS-19 mod 2 varies from the mod 1 in that it is configured to carry only a single warhead with a yield between 2.5 and 5 MT. The mod 2 is still operational today, but plans call for the remaining missiles to be removed from service between 2015-2020. [5] The SS-19 mod 3 is an improved version of the mod 1 and features upgraded engines and command and control modifications. [6] In 2019 it was reported that the SS-19 was given its longest ever life extension which is supposed to last 36 years. [7]
Strategic Implications
During the Cold War, the SS-19 Stiletto was a primary component of the Soviet Unions nuclear forces. Originally being deployed in 1975, it represented another threat to the United States and to its allies. By the mid 1980’s, over 300 SS-19 Stilettos were deployed and ready to be launched[8]. In 1993, the START II treaty between the US and Russia required the number of SS-19 Stilettos to be reduced to 100 however following the US withdrawal from the ABM Treaty, Russia withdrew from START II leaving the number of SS-19 Stilettos still at Cold War levels[9][10]. However, a small number of Stilettos had been dismantled by Ukraine following the collapse of the Soviet Union[11]. In 2008, Russia tested the SS-19 to test the weapons reliability and determine if the weapon could remain a member of Russia’s nuclear arsenal[12]. The SS-19 performed capably and it was determined that the missile could remain operational at least until the year 2031.[13]
Sources:
[1] “UR-100N / SS-19 STILLETO.” Federation of American Scientists. Last updated July 29, 2000. http://fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/icbm/ur-100n.htm.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] “RS-18 MOD 1/-MOD 2 (SS-19).” Missile Threat. Last updated December 5, 2012. http://missilethreat.com/missiles/rs-18-mod-1-mod-2-ss-19/.
[6] “UR-100N / SS-19 STILLETO.” Federation of American Scientists. Last updated July 29, 2000. http://fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/icbm/ur-100n.htm.
[7] http://tass.com/defense/1060382
[8] https://fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/icbm/ur-100n.htm
[9] http://www.nti.org/learn/treaties-and-regimes/treaty-between-united-states-america-and-union-soviet-socialist-republics-strategic-offensive-reductions-start-ii/
[10] https://fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/icbm/ur-100n.htm
[11] https://fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/icbm/ur-100n.htm
[12] http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/ur-100n.htm
[13] http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/ur-100n.htm
