11 Oct 2012 14:15

Russia to keep SS-18 Satan ICBM on combat duty at least until 2020

MOSCOW. Oct 11 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian Strategic Rocket Forces (RVSN) will extend the service life of the RS-20B Voyevoda (NATO reporting name SS-18 Satan) heavy intercontinental ballistic missile to 30 years, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman for the RVSN Col. Vadim Koval told Interfax-AVN on Thursday.

"Operations are being carried out to extend the service life of this missile to 30 years, which will make it possible to keep this system operational for the RVSN until the end of the current decade," Koval said.

"The Voyevoda missile system has surpassed its warranty life by 50%, having been on combat duty for 24 years," Koval said.