Russia strengthens nuclear forces to counter US missile shield
(Baonghean.vn) - On December 5, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian army Valery Gerasimov said that Russia is increasing the capacity of its nuclear forces while the US is strengthening its missile shield.
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| Russia strengthens nuclear force capabilities to counter US missile shield. Photo: Getty |
Speaking at a press conference attended by foreign military attaches, Mr. Gerasimov said: "In the context of the US strengthening its global missile shield, Russia is increasing the combat potential of its strategic ground-based nuclear forces."
The general cited examples of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces being re-armed with the Yars missile system, and the Avangard missile complex equipped with hypersonic equipment is being mass-produced.
Russia is currently developing the Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system to replace the Voyevoda ICBM, which is the most powerful. In 2018, Sarmat was successfully tested.
In addition, Mr. Gerasimov said that Russian strategic submarines are on regular combat missions, conducting patrols, including under the ice in the Arctic.
Mr. Gerasimov emphasized that the US is capable of increasing the number of nuclear warheads by more than 1,200 units in the shortest possible time. The potential of the strategic nuclear forces in the air is also being maintained through the modernization of missile-equipped bombers such as the Tu-160 and Tu-95MS.
In addition, General Gerasimov affirmed that Russia is also strengthening its air and ground missile early warning system, along with completing the establishment of radar stations along the country's borders.
