NATO wants Russia to withdraw from service a new short-range missile system equipped with a nuclear payload. The new 9M729 missile system violates the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty between Russia and the United States, according to U.S. and NATO officials.

9M729 Missile System (Picture Source: Russian MoD)

The INF treaty bans the production, testing and deployment of land-based cruise and ballistic missiles with a range of 500-5,500 kilometres. The new 9M729 cruise missile could enable Moscow to launch a nuclear strike on Europe with little or no notice.

NATO officials did not mention the measures it will take if Russia refuses to withdraw this missile system from service. Though, this comes as tensions between Russia and NATO constantly increase, mainly because of the possible acquisition by India and Turkey of the S-400 missile systems built by Russia.