Monday, December 13, 1999
MOSCOW -- Russia has deployed 10 new Topol-M nuclear missiles,
designed to be the backbone of Russia's strategic forces.
The Itar-Tass news agency said the new missiles were deployed on Friday
in the Saratov region, about 700 kilometers
southeast of Moscow. This was the second time in two years that Russian
military forces have placed a contingent of the
missiles on full combat readiness.
The Topol-M can be transported on a mobile launch pad and is meant to
survive a first strike.
In the United States, a Russian nuclear submarine -- which once carried
four nuclear cruise missiles and 22 torpedoes, had a crew of 82 and was
meant to target U.S. east coast cities -- is being offered for sale. The
U-484 is now a weaponless tourist attraction tied to a pier in St.
Petersburg on Florida's west coast.
Built in 1964, the 300-foot diesel submarine served in the Soviet and
Russian Navy until 1994. It was sold to a Finnish company, Oy-Sub Expo, and
in 1997 the sub was towed across the Atlantic Ocean to become a tourist
attraction in St. Petersburg, Fla.
The submarine is being offered on the web. Whoever buys the sub will
have to move it and settle claims by St.
Petersburg of more than $200,000 in overdue port fees.
"There are no more US diesel submarines available for display," the sale
offer said. "Only very few old smaller subs, suitable for display, are left
in Russia. One of a kind business in which the absence of competition is
guaranteed. Can be towed to any East Coast location."
