Skip to main content
Aug 20, 2019 - World

U.S. tests missile previously banned under arms treaty with Russia

Rebecca Falconer
The Defense Department conducted a flight test of a conventionally configured ground-launched cruise missile at San Nicolas Island, Calif.

The Defense Department conducts a flight test of a conventionally configured ground-launched cruise missile at San Nicolas Island, California. Photo: Defense Department

The Pentagon said Monday it had successfully tested a conventionally configured ground-launched cruise missile with a range of more than 300 miles at San Nicolas Island, California.

Why it matters: Sunday's test is the first of its kind since the U.S. officially pulled out of the Cold War-era Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Russia, under which it would have been prohibited.

  • Per Bloomberg, this signals a determination by the U.S. to develop intermediate-range capabilities. The Pentagon plans to test an intermediate-range ballistic missile in November.

Go deeper: U.S. exit from INF Treaty frees Russia from key nuclear constraints

Go deeper