Russia tests short-range interceptor A-135 (ABM-3) SH-08 Gazelle anti-ballistic missile 1610124

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Defense News - Russia
 
 
Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 06:33 PM
 
Russia tests short-range interceptor A-135 (ABM-3) SH-08 Gazelle anti-ballistic missile network.
Russia's Aerospace Defense Force successfully tested a short-range anti-missile defense system on Tuesday, October 16, 2012, a Defense Ministry spokesman told RIA Novosti. "The Aerospace Forces and defense industry successfully tested a Russian short-range interceptor missile at Sary-Shagan range at 12.01 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16," Col. Alexei Zolotukhin said.
     
Russia's Aerospace Defense Force successfully tested a short-range anti-missile defense system on Tuesday, October 16, 2012, a Defense Ministry spokesman told RIA Novosti. "The Aerospace Forces and defense industry successfully tested a Russian short-range interceptor missile at Sary-Shagan range at 12.01 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16," Col. Alexei Zolotukhin said.
Russian A-135 (ABM-3) SH-08 Gazelle anti-ballistic missile
     

The launch was carried out to confirm the effectiveness of interceptor missiles, deployed as part of the Russian A-135 (ABM-3) anti-ballistic missile network, and their performance specifications, he said.

"The anti-missile system test was successful and it succeeded in destroying a test target in the time set," Aerospace Forces Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Valery Bratishenko said.

The Defense Ministry has not disclosed the type of missile involved in the testing.

The A-135 ABM network is deployed around Moscow to counter enemy missiles targeting the city or its surrounding areas. It became operational in 1995 and consists of the Don-2N battle management radar and two types of ABM missiles.

The short-range 53T6 (SH-08 'Gazelle') endoatmospheric interceptor missiles are deployed at five launch sites with 12 or 16 missiles each. These are tested roughly annually at the Sary Shagan test site.

The previous test of a 53T6 missile was carried out in December 2011.

The A-135 system is compliant with the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty from which the United States unilaterally withdrew in 2002.