SOVIET ICBM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01676R003100160001-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 6, 2002
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: October 9, 1958
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 2002/10/09 :CIA-RDP80601676R00POS1-2
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
WASHINGTON 25, D. C.
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
9 october iffSe
'11? 4140 Chairman, (lidded Missile
Cemmittee
Ti
ICBM Development Program
1. We have estimated, for a variety of cogent reasons,
that the Soviets have assigned a very high priority to their ICBM
davelopraeat program, and that they have already decided to ac.
quire a sizeable operational capability with ICBM. at the earliest
practicable data. In the light Si mach evidence Si high Soviet
capabilities in ballistic missiles, Si the establish:neat of a *IOW
teat rang. for 102.14 end related perposes. and of the early
achievemeat Si initial ICBM and earth satellite vehicle launchings,
WO URN* aloe estiraeted that the Milk will probably achieve an
initial *COM operational capability some time during calendar
1959. We have not ruled out the ponsibility that the Soviets may
establish is the letter part Si 1951 a limited operational capability
with comparatively unproven !GSM,.
2. Thee. estimates Si the probable and passible data of
initial Soviet operatioael capability with ICBMs were predicated
upon the fairly Livonia test firing ef ICBMs over a period of
reentlis. But following the first few ICBMs and earth satellite
lam:chins, the teet-firiag progriun apparently proceeded at a
slower pace thea we had anticipated. More recsatly, to the beet
of our kaeroledge there has bees no smcessful firing of as ICBM
test vehicle Sine* late May 19S1, a period of mere lima five months.
3. In view Si the importaace of this question to US national
wily, and of the imseineece of IL new national estimate ea Soviet
'abilities sad intentions in the LI4tary and other fields (NUL 11-4.51),
Approved For Release 2002/10/09 : CIA-RDP80601676R003100160001-2
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be afa r_te f
_or GMIC at a* early dete to reexamine th-
elopement programa *ad to reaffir rn or recommend
existing estimate. In this ?1-examination, th?
queetiesea should, be coaeidered:
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Approved For Release 2002/10/09: CIA-RDP80601676R003100160001-2
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' CTo 1958
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