US tests cruise missile launch system in Arctic to deter Russia
The US military tested a cruise missile launch system in the Arctic Circle on November 9. The commander in charge of the test called it a deterrent to Russia.
In the test, a long-range cruise missile was dropped from a C-130 transport aircraft. A parachute system would help the missile gradually descend until the missile's rocket engine ignited and propelled the missile toward its target.
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| A US aircraft drops a Rapid Dragon cruise missile system in Norway, Arctic region, on November 9. Photo: Defense.gov |
The system, called Rapid Dragon by the US military, was developed by the US Air Force. On November 9, the system was displayed for the first time in Europe.
The US choice of Norwegian airspace for the test was also deliberate. It is located 2 degrees north of the Arctic Circle, on the westernmost edge of an area of military and economic importance to Russia.
The test "put this thing within range of Russia," Lt. Col. Lawrence Melnicoff told the US military's Stripes newspaper. "We intentionally did it to be provocative without escalating... We were trying to deter action."extendof Russia, by demonstrating the enhanced capabilities of NATO allies".
About 50% of the Arctic coastline is Russian territory. Moscow regularly conducts exercises involving near-zero combat.
The US National Arctic Strategy, released in October, calls for cooperation with Russia in the Arctic region to be “virtually impossible”. The strategy calls for an increased US military presence above the Arctic Circle./.
