SOVIET ICBM SILO CONSTRUCTION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-537-4-13-7
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: November 5, 2012
• Sequence Number: 13
• Publication Date: April 16, 1971
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Part 2012/11/05: LOC-HAK-537-4-13-7
TOP SECRET
W HANDLE VIA
'TALENT-KEYHOLE
CONTROL SYSTEM ONLY
THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE r 76 - lC 6,6-4,8 'z
C03317448
POPY Nom
MEMORANDUM! FOR THE PRESIDENT
SUBJ CT: Soviet ICBM Silo Construction
1 4 APR -1911
I continue to be concerned about the magnitude and evident urgency of
the mew Soviet silo construction program as revealed by recent satel-
lite photography.
The basis for my concern is simply the fact that there are now as many
as $0 new missile silos under simultaneous construction in the Soviet
Union. This total, which more than doubled our earlier count of the
new sites, could and probably will go higher, as study of the latest
mission is still underway at CIA and DIA, and as all potential con-
struction areas were not covered by the latest mission. Of particular
significance is the identification of at least 30 confirmed and probable
silos under construction at a single operational complex in Western Russia.
?All.apparently were started since last August.
Although the missile for which the new silos are intended cannot be
determined at this time, they could be for a large new ICBM or a highly
modified SS-9. In any event, the new silo is designed to accommodate
a large system.
The timing of this construction suggests that a decision, some time last
summer, resulted in a slow down or suspension of construction at some of
the SS-9 silos, and probably called for the major new silo construction
program which we are now observing. This program is marked by unique
construction and deployment techniques, as well as concurrent efforts at
six operational complexes at least, and at one area at the Tyura Tam
Missile Test Center.
it is evident that we are witnessing a major new Soviet ICBM silo con-
struction program which, if followed through, could have significant
implications for our own weapons development programs as well as the
ongoing.-SALT negotiations.
of 'S-- COPIES
GROUP 1
Exeluc1ed. from automatic HANDLE VIA
r