Russia’s Nuclear Arsenal: A Strategic Show of Force Amid Ukraine Conflict

Russia’s Nuclear Arsenal: A Strategic Show of Force Amid Ukraine Conflict

Sub : IR

Sec: Int conventions

Why in News

In 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin repeatedly emphasized Russia’s nuclear capabilities in an attempt to deter Western support for Ukraine. This comes amidst rising tensions between Russia and NATO, as Moscow warns against NATO’s involvement in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Putin’s recent actions include revising Russia’s nuclear doctrine, conducting military exercises with nuclear capabilities, and threatening to resume nuclear tests.

Russia’s Nuclear Arsenal as a Strategic Deterrent

President Putin has underscored Russia’s possession of the world’s largest nuclear arsenal to prevent further Western involvement in Ukraine.

Russia announced the production of ground-based intermediate-range missiles, previously banned under the 1987 US-Soviet treaty.

Russia’s nuclear doctrine was revised to lower the threshold for using its nuclear arsenal.

Russia’s Strategic Nuclear Weapons

Largest Nuclear Stockpile: Russia holds 5,580 deployed and non-deployed nuclear warheads, compared to the US’s 5,044, making up about 88% of the world’s nuclear weapons.

Modernization of Nuclear Forces: Upgraded Soviet-era nuclear components with modernized land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarines, and bombers.

Deployment of mobile Yars ICBMs and the newer Sarmat ICBMs.

Expansion of Borei-class submarines armed with Bulava missiles.

Recommissioned Tu-160 supersonic bombers for nuclear strikes.

Russia’s Non-Strategic (Tactical) Nuclear Weapons

Iskander Missiles: Ground-launched missiles with a range of 500 km, capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads.

Kinzhal Hypersonic Missiles: Air-launched missiles that can be nuclear-armed and have been used conventionally against Ukraine.

Revised Nuclear Doctrine

Putin revised Russia’s nuclear doctrine in response to perceived threats from NATO, stating that any conventional attack on Russia by a non-nuclear country backed by a nuclear power could trigger a nuclear response.

The doctrine now includes nuclear retaliation for a massive air attack, adding ambiguity to deter Western forces.

Russia’s Arms Control and New START Treaty

The New START Treaty (2010) between Russia and the US, which limits nuclear warheads, is set to expire in 2026. In February 2023, Putin suspended Russia’s participation but pledged to continue abiding by its terms.

New START Treaty:

The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) pact limits the number of deployed nuclear warheads, missiles and bombers and is due to expire in 2021 unless renewed.

The treaty limits the US and Russia to a maximum of 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers, well below Cold War caps.

It was signed in 2010 by former US President Barack Obama and then-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

It entered into force on 5th February, 2011.

It is one of the key controls on the superpower deployment of nuclear weapons.

Its duration was for ten years that is till 2021, but it was extended by five more years till 2026.

Nuclear Testing and Future Weapons Development

Resumption of Nuclear Testing: Russia indicated it could resume nuclear tests if the US does so, ending a global ban in place since the collapse of the USSR. The Arctic test range at Novaya Zemlya is reportedly prepared for testing.

Development of New Weapons:

Avangard Hypersonic Glide Vehicle: Travels at 27 times the speed of sound, capable of evading missile defenses.

Poseidon Underwater Drone: Designed to create a radioactive tsunami near enemy coastlines.

Burevestnik Cruise Missile: An atomic-powered missile facing technological and safety challenges, with accidents during testing.

About NATO

Formed in 1949 with the signing of the Washington Treaty, NATO is a security alliance of 31 countries from North America and Europe.

In April 2023, Finland joined the alliance as its 31st member.

NATO’s fundamental goal is to safeguard the Allies’ freedom and security by political and military means.

It is a system of collective defence where independent member states agree for mutual defence in case of any attack by external party.

Article 5 of the Washington Treaty states that an attack against one Ally is an attack against all. This article forms the core of the Alliance, a promise of collective defense.

Headquarter – Brussels, Belgium.