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Russia's Aging Topol ICBMs to Be Scrapped for Gold, Silver

© Sputnik / Mikhail Fomichev / Go to the mediabankTopol strategic missile complex. File photo
Topol strategic missile complex. File photo - Sputnik International
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All of Russia's Topol mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles are due to be replaced with a modernized version of the Topol-M by the early 2020s.

Russian Federal Space Agency Roscosmos has announced a tender for the scrapping of nine Topol mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

According to the details of the offer, one can obtain 42 kilograms of silver and 1.8 kilograms of gold by dismantling the nine ICBMs.

READ MORE: Think Twice: Topol-M Nuclear ICBMs Safeguarding Russia

The contract, which is worth 9.7 million rubles (about $170,817 US), stipulates that the missiles' disposal is to be wrapped up before November of 2017.

© AFP 2023 / ALEXANDER NEMENOVRussian Topol-M intercontinental ballistic misiles drive through Red Square during the Victory Day parade in Moscow. File photo
Russian Topol-M intercontinental ballistic misiles drive through Red Square during the Victory Day parade in Moscow. File photo  - Sputnik International
Russian Topol-M intercontinental ballistic misiles drive through Red Square during the Victory Day parade in Moscow. File photo

The document also stipulates that the contractor will have to return the proceeds gained from the sale of valuable metals to Russia's state coffers.

The Topol's parts reportedly contain approximately 198 grams of gold, 4.6 kilograms of silver and five grams of platinum.

READ MORE: Russia Successfully Tests RS-12M Topol ICBM With Experimental Warhead

The Topol ICBM's mass production began in 1984 and about 400 such missiles have been made since then. By the early 2020s, all the Topols are set to be replaced with an upgraded version of the Topol-M. 

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