US Prepares To Test Conventional Ground-Launched Missile Amid INF Withdrawal - Pentagon

The United States is prepared to test a conventional ground-launched missile amid its withdrawal from the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, Pentagon spokesperson Lt. Col. Michelle Baldanza told Sputnik on Friday

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th March, 2019) The United States is prepared to test a conventional ground-launched missile amid its withdrawal from the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, Pentagon spokesperson Lt. Col. Michelle Baldanza told Sputnik on Friday.

"In the unlikely event Russia returns to full and verifiable compliance before the end of the six month period, we will rescind our suspension and planned withdrawal from the Treaty.

But absent such a change in Russia's conduct, our decision to withdraw from the Treaty will stand, and the Treaty will end," Baldanza said. "We must be prepared for this eventuality. Our preparations along these lines include plans to test a conventional ground-launched missile."

According to recent media reports, Washington is planning to test missiles, previously banned under the INF treaty, later this year. New cruise missiles may be deployed within some 18 months, according to reports .