The World : Soviet Missile-Base Switch

The Soviet Union said that some of its medium-range nuclear missile bases will be converted to intercontinental missile bases. The conversion is allowed under the terms of the U.S.-Soviet Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty, and Moscow has informed the United States of its plans, Foreign Ministry spokesman Vadim Perfilyev told a Moscow news conference. He said SS-20 medium-range missiles deployed at the bases are being scrapped in accordance with the INF treaty and that the bases will be re-equipped to hold SS-25 intercontinental ballistic missiles. Perfilyev did not say how many bases are being converted or disclose their location.