Washington has consistently argued that missile defence systems in Europe aren’t aimed at Moscow but designed instead to defend against threats from Iran, North Korea and rogue threats. The weapon is capable of performing sharp manoeuvrs on its way to targets, making it “absolutely invulnerable for any missile defence system,” Putin added. “The Russians have a genuine worry from their perspective about where U.S. missile defence might go,” Plant said. To complete the list, he mentioned a smaller hypersonic missile that is already operational and has a range of more than 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles) and a new laser weapon. Putin emphasized that the new weapons were designed in full compliance to the U.S.-Russian arms control agreements, adding that Russian military experts and diplomats would be ready to discuss new weapons systems with their U.S. counterparts.

Source: National Post March 01, 2018 11:32 UTC