Press Secretary of the Russian President, Peskov

Press Secretary of the Russian President, Peskov stated that Russia's triad nuclear forces have been updated and are actually the most advanced triad nuclear forces in the world. As is well known, the triad nuclear forces are not something that can be achieved through technological breakthroughs in a short period of time. To achieve this goal, Russia has long been making long-term plans and carrying out a large amount of related work. Therefore, Peskov emphasized that this has nothing to do with the current situation, and Russia is not involved in any arms race. At the same time, he pointed out that the current international situation proves that updating the triad nuclear forces was the correct decision made by Russia.

From the actual situation, this statement is basically accurate, and Russia's triad nuclear forces are indeed at the forefront of the world.

In terms of land-based nuclear forces, Russia centers on the "Yars" intercontinental ballistic missile, while also deploying the "Topol-M" intercontinental ballistic missile, the "Avangard" hypersonic strategic missile, and the "Sarmat" liquid-fueled heavy intercontinental ballistic missile. Among them, "Yars" is used to replace "Topol-M", "Sarmat" is used to replace the SS-18 "Satan", and "Avangard" is a new strategic hypersonic missile developed by Russia. These missiles can all carry multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs).

Additionally, Russia has successfully developed the "Zircon" nuclear-powered cruise missile, which has almost unlimited range and can bypass the U.S. air defense and anti-missile systems, significantly improving its penetration capability. With the future deployment of "Zircon", Russia's land-based strategic nuclear forces will be further enhanced.

Russian "Borei" Nuclear Submarine

In terms of sea-based nuclear forces, the Russian Navy has put into service 8 "Borei" and "Borei-A" class strategic nuclear submarines, each carrying 16 "Bulava" submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles. It also retains 5 "Delta-IV" class strategic nuclear submarines, each carrying 16 upgraded "Dnep" submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles. Whether it is "Bulava" or "Dnep", they can carry multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs).

It should be emphasized that the maximum range of Russia's submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles is basically not more than 10,000 kilometers - the maximum range of "Dnep" is between 8,300 to 10,000 kilometers, and that of "Bulava" is 8,000 kilometers. The reason is that most of Russia's strategic nuclear submarines are deployed in Vilyuchinsk near Kamchatka Peninsula or Gadyukovo near the Barents Sea. From these bases, there is no need for long voyages; they just need to launch submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles within their own territorial waters or the Barents Sea to strike the United States. A range of 8,000 kilometers is sufficient to cover the entire United States, so Russia does not have a high demand for the long-range performance of submarine-launched missiles.

Russia has also developed the "Poseidon" nuclear-powered unmanned submersible and the corresponding 0985-2 and 0985-1 type special nuclear submarines. "Poseidon" has an almost unlimited range underwater, with a maximum speed of up to 60 knots and a diving depth of up to 1,000 meters, making it extremely difficult to intercept. It is equipped with a nuclear warhead of one million tons, which can detonate near enemy coasts, causing tsunamis and massive destructive power.

Russian Tu-160 Strategic Bomber

The update of Russia's air-based nuclear forces mainly lies in the Tu-160 and Tu-95MS strategic bombers, as well as the new KH-102 air-launched cruise missiles they are equipped with. The KH-102 has a stealthy shape, a maximum range of up to 5,500 kilometers, and carries a nuclear warhead with an explosive yield of 250 kilotons.

Russia places great importance on its nuclear forces because its conventional military strength is vastly different from NATO. Although in the current Ukraine-Russia conflict, the Russian military has gradually gained the upper hand in the overall battlefield situation, but the conflict is mainly ground warfare, with limited air and naval battles. Weapons provided by NATO to Ukraine are mainly ground equipment, with a limited number of fighter jets and zero surface ships. The advantage of NATO in integrated land, sea, and air forces, especially air and sea forces, poses a significant pressure on Russia.

Therefore, in order to counter the military threat from NATO, Russia can only rely on developing its nuclear forces. Although nuclear weapons are expensive, compared to fully developing a strong conventional military force, their cost is actually lower. This is also the main reason why Russia can afford the continuous upgrading of its nuclear arsenal, but cannot comprehensively update its conventional equipment.

In fact, the deterrent effect of nuclear forces far exceeds that of conventional forces. Because Russia has a powerful nuclear arsenal, NATO is cautious and dare not directly send troops to Ukraine. After experiencing the strategic benefits of nuclear deterrence, Russia has increasingly invested in its nuclear forces. Even in extreme situations, if Russia slows down the updating of its conventional military forces, it will still ensure the continuous upgrading and replacement of its nuclear forces.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7569870968210948650/

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