Russia's Strategic Missile Forces are being equipped with new anti-ballistic missile systems in response to US plans to deploy a missile shield in Europe, Interfax reported yesterday.

"Considering the changing military and political situation in the world, and US plans to deploy missile shield, as well as the need to adequately respond to these plans, a set of measures are being taken to develop the Strategic Missile Forces," Commander Col. Gen. Nikolai Solovtsov told Interfax news agency.

New types of silo-based and mobile missile systems capable of countering the prospective US missile defense system will be created, he said, adding that a fifth-generation RS-24 multiple-warhead missile system will enter service with the forces in 2009,

The new system will strengthen Russia's nuclear deterrence, including its capability to penetrate missile defense shields, he said.

RS-24 missiles and RS-12M2 missiles of the Topol-M system, which has already been handed over to the army, will become the fundamental elements of the troops' main attack force, he noted.

Repeatedly ignoring Russia's fierce opposition, the United States is determined to set up a missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic to counter the so-called threats from Iran.

Moscow warned that the missile shield will definitely pose a threat to its national security and make the two European countries its target of strike once the situation worsens.