U.S. suspends Cold War missile treaty

The U.S. is suspending its compliance with the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with Russia, raising the spectre of a dangerous and costly arms race in Europe

NOVATOR 9M729 (SSC-8)
U.S. alleges Russia’s cruise missile violates pact. Moscow denies allegation and claims range is limited to 480km

500km range: INF bans cruise missiles with range between 500km and 5,500km

Suspected Iskander missile brigades

NORWAY 
SWEDEN
FINLAND
RUSSIA
Luga 
Kaliningrad
Moscow
ITALY
POLAND
UKRAINE
UK
GERMANY
FRANCE
TURKEY
Black Sea
Crimea (annexed by Russia)
500km
310 miles

2,000km range
Warhead
Correction system
Control system
Fuel load
Engine
Booster


SPECIFICATIONS* 
Range: 2,000km est. Length: 8m
Warhead: 400-500kg
Mobile launcher
-
New missile is updated variant of 9M728, which is already integrated into Iskander-M missile system

Russia claims 9M729 has same booster, engine and fuel load as 9M728, with range compliant with INF treaty



Sources: Jane's by IHS Markit, Brookings Institution, Atlantic Council *Global Security 
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