INF Treaty

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, or INF Treaty for short, called for the United States and the Soviet Union to eliminate all nuclear-armed ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles that could travel between 500 and 5500 Km (approx 310–3400 miles). It also called for them to abandon all methods of maintaining and developing these missiles. This treaty decreased the number of nuclear weapons. It was signed by the Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev on December 8, 1987, and President Ronald Reagan on January 15, 1988.

This treaty signed by Ronald Reagan, is considered a landmark Cold War agreement.

The United States "inter-agency consensus" formally withdrew from the treaty on August 2, 2019. The Russian Federation abandoned its moratorium on deploying short and medium-range missiles on August 4, 2025.

Elimination of Intermediate- and Shorter-Range Missiles

The treaty required the US and Soviet Union to eliminate all ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers (approximately 300–3,400 miles), including both nuclear and conventional variants. Intermediate-range (1,000–5,500 km) and shorter-range (500–1,000 km) missiles were targeted, covering systems like the US Pershing II and Soviet SS-20 Saber.

By June 1, 1991, both parties were to complete the destruction of these missiles and their launchers, resulting in the elimination of 2,692 missiles (1,846 Soviet, 846 US).

Prohibition on Production and Testing

The treaty banned the production, flight-testing, or possession of ground-launched intermediate- and shorter-range missiles after the elimination deadline.

This applied to both nuclear and conventional missiles within the specified range, ensuring no new systems could replace those destroyed.

Scope and Exclusions

The treaty covered ground-launched missiles only, excluding air-launched and sea-launched systems (e.g., submarine- or ship-based missiles like the US Tomahawk missiles).

It applied to missiles regardless of warhead type (nuclear or conventional), making it comprehensive within its range category.

Support structures, such as launchers and associated equipment, were also to be destroyed or rendered unusable.

Verification and Inspection

The treaty established a robust verification regime, including on-site inspections, data exchanges, and continuous monitoring of missile production facilities to ensure compliance.

A Special Verification Commission was created to resolve compliance disputes, with inspections continuing for 13 years after 1991 (until 2001).

Both sides provided detailed inventories of their missile systems and destruction sites.

Indefinite Duration

The treaty was of unlimited duration, meaning it remained in force until a party withdrew (as the US did in 2019, citing Russian non-compliance with the 9M729 missile).

Either party could withdraw with six months notice if they believed their supreme interests were jeopardized.

Global Application

The treaty prohibited deploying covered missiles anywhere in the world, not just in Europe, addressing concerns about Soviet SS-20s targeting Asia and US Pershing IIs in Europe.

It applied to missiles stationed in allied territories (e.g., US missiles in NATO countries, Soviet missiles in Warsaw Pact states).

External links

• Text of the treaty

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/russia-abandons-moratorium-deploying-short-medium-range-missiles