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==Development and deployment==
The development of the missile began in the late 1980s as a response to the American [[Strategic Defense Initiative]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Bleek|first=Philipp C.|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1P3-56100141|title=Russia Approves Topol-M, Warns Missile Could Defeat U.S. Defense|date=1 June 2000|journal=Arms Control Today|volume=30|issue=5|page=26|access-date=|url-access= |via=}}{{dead link|date=July 2021}}</ref> Initially an evolutionary upgrade of the [[RT-2PM Topol]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jsws/jsws0463.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904131630/http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jsws/jsws0463.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 4, 2012 |access-date=October 22, 2008 |title=Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's | IHS }}</ref> the missile was redesigned in 1992.{{Citation needed|date=May 2015}} The missile's principal designer was Yuri Solomonov, who would later oversee the development of the [[RSM-56 Bulava]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Champlin|first=Luke|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1P3-1893129611/russia-defends-struggling-missile-program|title=Russia Defends Struggling Missile Program|date=October 2009|journal=Arms Control Today|volume=39|issue=8|page=45|access-date=|url-access=
The first flight test took place on December 20, 1994, during which the missile, launched from [[Plesetsk]], hit its target {{Convert|4,000|mi|km}} away.<ref name="Bulletin">{{Cite journal|last1=Norris|first1=Robert S.|last2=Arkin|first2=William M.|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-63794409.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924161731/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-63794409.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|title=Russian Nuclear Forces, 2000|date=1 July 2000|journal=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists|access-date=15 May 2015|url-access=subscription |via=[[HighBeam Research]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-15974595.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924142637/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-15974595.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|title=Russia tested a prototype for a new intercontinental ballistic missile successfully|date=22 December 1994|journal=Defense Daily|access-date=15 May 2015|url-access=subscription |via=[[HighBeam Research]]}}</ref> Two missiles were put on experimental combat duty in December 1997 at [[Tatishchevo (airbase)|Tatishchevo]].<ref name=Bulletin/> The fifth test flight on 22 October 1998 was unsuccessful as the missile exploded after being launched; the sixth test flight two months later was successful.<ref name=Bulletin/> The 104th Regiment of the Taman Missile Division, based in [[Saratov]], introduced 10 missiles into service on 30 December 1998; another ten entered service with a second regiment in December 1999.<ref name=Bulletin/><ref>{{Cite news|first=David|last=Hoffman|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-688535.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108195934/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-688535.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 January 2016|title=Russia Set To Deploy Topol-M Missiles; Move Comes Amid Dispute on Control|date=27 December 1998|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=15 May 2015|url-access=subscription |via=[[HighBeam Research]]}}</ref>
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