While the United States phased out the use of MIRVs in 2014 to comply with New START, Russia continues to develop new missile designs using the technology. The introduction of MIRV led to a major change in the strategic balance.

When did the US develop MIRVs?

The United States deployed its first MIRVed ICBM -- the Minuteman III -- in 1970, and the first MIRVed SLBM -- the Poseidon -- in 1971. The USSR followed suit in 1975 (ICBM) and 1978 (SLBM), respectively. MIRV technology was developed first in the United States.

How many MIRVs does China have?

As of 2019, Russia possessed an estimated 96 RS-24 launchers, each carrying four warheads on multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs). By comparison, China currently possesses roughly 24 DF-31As, each carrying a single warhead per missile.