Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume XLIV, Part 1, National Security Policy, 1985–1988

26. Memorandum From the Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of State (Timbie) to the Deputy Secretary of State (Dam)¹

Washington, March 21, 1985

SUBJECT

• The SS–X–24 and SS–X–25

SS–X–24

The SS–X–24 is roughly comparable to the M–X, but has smaller RVs and is less accurate, so it does not have the hard-target punch of the M–X.

Characteristics:

— medium size

— solid fuel

— 10 RVs

— Soviets have declared the SS–X–24 to be their one permitted new-type ICBM.

Basing:

— Will be deployed in fixed silos, initially as a replacement for SS–17’s.

— Will probably also be deployed on rail-mobile launchers.

Timing:

— first test, October 1982

— IOC, 1986 in fixed silos, 1987 on rail-mobile launchers

— The “X” will be removed from the designator when the missile becomes operational.

SS–X–25

The SS–X–25 is roughly comparable to the Minuteman II. Previous Soviet solid fuel missiles of similar size include the SS–13, SS–16, and SS–20.

Characteristics:

— small size

— solid fuel

— single-RV

— The Soviets claim the SS–X–25 is a permitted modernization of the SS–13; the U.S. takes issue with this claim on the basis of the difference in throw weight.

Basing:

— Will be deployed on road-mobile launchers. (Bases are being prepared, including conversion of former SS–20 bases.)

Timing:

— first test, February 1983

— IOC, late 1985 or early 1986

1. Source: Department of State, Bureau of Arms Control and Disarmament Records, 1969–1990 Subject Records of James P. Timbie, Lot 01D127, Papers for DepSec Ken Dam, 1983–1985. Secret. Dam sent the memorandum to Shultz under a March 21 covering note: “Mr. Secretary: I found useful the attached concise description of the SS–X–24 and SS–X–25 missiles. As you know, there is considerable confusion on this subject.” (Ibid.)