On the second day of Christmas.

On the second day of Christmas, on the 26th of December 2014, I was enjoying the good company of my wife and our son and his family.  Having a good time.

But not everyone was taking a day off.
In Russia they were busy testing the RS-24 Yars, an ICBM - or a InterContinental Ballistic Missile.
This solid fuel missile has a operating range of some 7500 miles !
And it is a mobile system ! 

Let it be said that they do not celebrate Christmas at the same time as we do in Western Europe. Since the Russian Orthodox church still use the Julian calender.
I believe there is a time difference of some 13 days.

So they did not do this testing of the RS-24 missile in between Christmas parties. 
When the test took place, they still had almost 2 weeks to get the Xmas presents.

President Putin stated, a month ago - in November - that these missiles can penetrate any missile shield !

I am not saying that this keeps me awake in the night - but Russian Federation, and Mr. Putin are really flexing their muscles.

Let us hope it stays with that - I wish you all a Happy New Year.

Russian December Campaign 2014

December 2014,when visiting IndianPrime Minister Narenda Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed helping India to build 10 new nuclear reactors.
And not only nuclear power, the two countries will also work together when building hydroelectric power dams. 
Russia will also supply India with oil and gas, giving India a much needed boost in energy supply.
Since trouble in Ukraine made Russian cooperation with the West more difficult, Russia have turned to countries like India and China.

It may look good for Mr. Putin to find new markets like this for Russian energy technology, and of course it is. The rubel has been seriusly affected by the much limited trade Russia are seeing westwards.

But, there is also problems in this relation. Indias choice of buying French fighter aircrafts, and American helicopters, is not to Putins liking.
Probably India has been informed that Russian defence industrie will be more than happy to supply all kinds of defence equipment to the Indian military.