Editing RT-2PM2 Topol-M (section)

==Development and deployment==
The development of the missile began in the late 1980s as a response to the American [[Strategic Defense Initiative]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Bleek|first=Philipp C.|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1P3-56100141|title=Russia Approves Topol-M, Warns Missile Could Defeat U.S. Defense|date=1 June 2000|journal=Arms Control Today|volume=30|issue=5|page=26|access-date=|url-access= |via=}}{{dead link|date=July 2021}}</ref> Initially an evolutionary upgrade of the [[RT-2PM Topol]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jsws/jsws0463.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904131630/http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jsws/jsws0463.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 4, 2012 |access-date=October 22, 2008 |title=Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's &#124; IHS }}</ref> the missile was redesigned in 1992.{{Citation needed|date=May 2015}} The missile's principal designer was Yuri Solomonov, who would later oversee the development of the [[RSM-56 Bulava]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Champlin|first=Luke|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1P3-1893129611/russia-defends-struggling-missile-program|title=Russia Defends Struggling Missile Program|date=October 2009|journal=Arms Control Today|volume=39|issue=8|page=45|access-date=|url-access=|via=|archive-date=2015-05-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524023257/https://www.questia.com/read/1P3-1893129611/russia-defends-struggling-missile-program|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The first flight test took place on December 20, 1994, during which the missile, launched from [[Plesetsk]], hit its target {{Convert|4,000|mi|km|order=flip}} away.<ref name="Bulletin">{{Cite journal|last1=Norris|first1=Robert S.|last2=Arkin|first2=William M.|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-63794409.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924161731/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-63794409.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|title=Russian Nuclear Forces, 2000|date=1 July 2000|journal=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists|access-date=15 May 2015|url-access=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-15974595.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924142637/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-15974595.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|title=Russia tested a prototype for a new intercontinental ballistic missile successfully|date=22 December 1994|journal=Defense Daily|access-date=15 May 2015|url-access=}}</ref> Two missiles were put on experimental combat duty in December 1997 at [[Tatishchevo (airbase)|Tatishchevo]].<ref name=Bulletin/> The fifth test flight on 22 October 1998 was unsuccessful as the missile exploded after being launched; the sixth test flight two months later was successful.<ref name=Bulletin/> The 104th Regiment of the Taman Missile Division, based in [[Saratov]], introduced 10 missiles into service on 30 December 1998; another ten entered service with a second regiment in December 1999.<ref name=Bulletin/><ref>{{Cite news|first=David|last=Hoffman|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-688535.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108195934/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-688535.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 January 2016|title=Russia Set To Deploy Topol-M Missiles; Move Comes Amid Dispute on Control|date=27 December 1998|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=15 May 2015|url-access=}}</ref>

Silo launcher Topol-M entered service by presidential decree on 13 July 2000, the third, fourth and fifth regiments entered service in 2000, 2003, and 2005. The last regiment was to arrive in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rbase.new-factoria.ru/pub/topol_tomorrow/topol_tomorrow.shtml|title="Тополь-М": история создания и перспективы - Ракетная техника|website=rbase.new-factoria.ru}}</ref>

On December 12, 2006, the first three mobile Topol-M missile systems entered duty with a missile unit stationed near the town of [[Teykovo]].<ref>Strategic Missile Forces spokesman Col. Alexander Vovk, quoted by ''ITAR TASS''.</ref>

'''Current Strategic Rocket Forces Order of Battle lists the following sites with Topol-M missiles:'''<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Strategic Rocket Forces |url=http://russianforces.org/missiles/ |title=Strategic Rocket Forces – Russian strategic nuclear forces |journal=Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces |date= 2007-12-13|access-date=2011-05-23}}</ref>
* [[27th Guards Rocket Army]] (HQ: Vladimir)
** 60th Missile Division at Tatishchevo with 60 silo-based Topol-M
** 54th Guards Missile Division at Teykovo with 18 mobile Topol-M

The Topol-M missiles have a lifetime between 15 and 20 years.