Russian Strategic Weapon Modernization Plans

[Avimimus]

Now if you were a paranoid dictator, how would you feel? Would you feel like a deranged blackmailer, or someone standing up to a bully to demand international law be followed? We are all heroes of our own stories.

Are you seriously putting North Korea on the same level, morally, as the US?

No, I'm not.

I'm merely suggesting that these guys might be just as good at rationalising for themselves and 'their side' as you are.

I'll respond later to the factual stuff (as that requires rigour).

 

[kcran567]

North Korea maybe just doesn't want to go the way of Iraq, Libya, etc...those weren't nuclear States.

 

[sferrin]

North Korea maybe just doesn't want to go the way of Iraq, Libya, etc...those weren't nuclear States.

To be fair, the US didn't start getting on their case until they started exporting terrorism and then deciding nukes would be fun to add to the mix. You don't see the US getting on Brazil's case.

 

[Rickshaw]

North Korea maybe just doesn't want to go the way of Iraq, Libya, etc...those weren't nuclear States.

To be fair, the US didn't start getting on their case until they started exporting terrorism and then deciding nukes would be fun to add to the mix. You don't see the US getting on Brazil's case.

Nor Israel's, nor India's, nor Pakistan's. Funny how it treats it's allies. Despite signing the Non-Proliferation Pact, the US has enabled several formally non-Nuclear nations to become nuclear powers.

The US regularly threatens other so-called "enemy nations". It uses it's large conventional forces to hold exercisers near their borders and sails it's naval forces near their shores. Is it any wonder they feel alarmed? Particularly after the US has forced regime change on Iraq and Afghanistan. The DPRK has seen agreements made with the US broken by the US. Iran has seen a civilian airliner shot down, it has had ships destroyed. It is surprising that they feel threatened by the US?

The US does not act in a vacuum. It's fiery rhetoric does not go unnoticed. Nor does it's actions.

 

[bobbymike]

Noam, Howard, is that you? :

Some videos of general interest

Russian Nuclear Strategy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2dvamU_z5M

Russian Views on Strategic Deterrence

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJBj8PpI8SA

 

[major-1]

On Russia strongly affected by the bombing of Belgrade. It became clear that renunciation of nuclear weapons is impossible. Time passed. In 2012, it was planned that by 2020, in the European part of Russia, there will not be a single heavy division. Again the plans have changed.

 

[sferrin]

North Korea maybe just doesn't want to go the way of Iraq, Libya, etc...those weren't nuclear States.

To be fair, the US didn't start getting on their case until they started exporting terrorism and then deciding nukes would be fun to add to the mix. You don't see the US getting on Brazil's case.

Nor Israel's, nor India's, nor Pakistan's.

 

[Foo Fighter]

Pakistan has long been a backer of terrorists attacking US and other forces in Afghanistan and other parts of the world killing US and allied troops. Training of those groups also takes place in Pakistan.

 

[major-1]

In 2009, Ukraine was elected president of Yushchenko. He began to pursue an anti-Russian policy, received direct orders from the United States. My relative, who served in the army of Uraina, said that psychologists were asked about the desire for war with Russia. The officer, inclined against Russia, could continue his career.

America has always pursued a policy of destroying Russia. Now they want to destroy China.
In the 21st century, not having nuclear weapons is suicide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RC1Mepk_Sw

 

[sferrin]

Pakistan has long been a backer of terrorists attacking US and other forces in Afghanistan and other parts of the world killing US and allied troops. Training of those groups also takes place in Pakistan.

That official Pakistani government doctrine? I presume you have evidence? (Osama hanging his hat in Pakistan under the protection of some faction not officially sanctioned by the Pakistani government doesn't qualify.)

 

[Arjen]

That official Pakistani government doctrine?

Official? No. De facto? I'd say yes. Evidence? Use your eyes.

 

[Antonio]

Dear members, could you avoid too off topic posts here?
Otherwise this thread will be locked.

Thanks in advance

 

[bobbymike]

https://www.defensenews.com/smr/nuclear-triad/2018/03/08/is-russia-influencing-americas-nuclear-debate-mac-thornberry-thinks-they-will/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Socialflow

“I suspect we’re going to see much more sophisticated methods coming from Russia to try and influence the decisions that are required to implement this Nuclear Posture Review,” he said. “So it’s a big deal.”

It was shown the Soviets were behind the nuclear freeze and anti-Pershing II/GLCM deployment movements/protests so this is not surprising. What is surprising is they always find those in the west willing to be duped again and again.

 

[bobbymike]

http://aviationweek.com/defense/us-says-it-can-meet-threat-russia-s-new-nuclear-weapons?utm_rid=CPEN1000000230026&utm_campaign=13967&utm_medium=email&elq2=133e3676807a48e2af39f5c21d7eee24

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s dramatic unveiling of a phalanx of new ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles may be alarming, but it is confirmation of what U.S. government and military officials have long known—that the U.S. lead in these areas is eroding.

But in the face of the nuclear weapons of unlimited range touted by Putin in his March 1 state of the nation address, U.S. leaders firmly believe the way it has deterred attacks since the dawn of the nuclear era—the threat of mutually assured destruction—still works.

 

[Avimimus]

Dear members, could you avoid too off topic posts here?
Otherwise this thread will be locked.

Thanks in advance

I'll avoid actually backing up my earlier arguments with evidence.

It is a bit difficult considering most of the articles linked connect the weapons with policy/planning, and that often raises questions about what these policies are trying to achieve. It also tends to trigger discussions about what could/should be done.

 

[Antonio]

Avimimus,

I agree with you that some military topics come associated to a strong political component. However, we should remember that the forum focus is set on technical aspects both from military and civil projects. Thus, before starting a topic we should consider potential conflictivity and inhibit. Political discussion is discouraged because results are unpredictable. I appeal to responsability. And, please think twice before posting a personal attack.

Still, for those interested political discussion, there are excellent forums. And there is no problem for everyone to enjoy both places.

 

[kaiserd]

https://www.defensenews.com/smr/nuclear-triad/2018/03/08/is-russia-influencing-americas-nuclear-debate-mac-thornberry-thinks-they-will/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Socialflow

“I suspect we’re going to see much more sophisticated methods coming from Russia to try and influence the decisions that are required to implement this Nuclear Posture Review,” he said. “So it’s a big deal.”

It was shown the Soviets were behind the nuclear freeze and anti-Pershing II/GLCM deployment movements/protests so this is not surprising. What is surprising is they always find those in the west willing to be duped again and again.

That’s a highly dubious statement.
In addition assume you’ve seen the posts re: avoiding politics...

 

[fightingirish]

#Russia just gave us a closer look at "Kinzhal", their recently revealed hypersonic air-to-surface missile system

Twitter: https://t.co/zY9pzBwQzT
Some more screenshots.
Source at Twitter: https://twitter.com/dressler_w/status/972769917412966401

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

Kinzhal screenshots. Last is bad quality due to zooming but shows the missile pylon mount.

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

Sizing speculation and drawings from Paralay's forum:

 

[Nigelhg]

Footage of the launch just released.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-43362213

 

[marauder2048]

Considering studies on the Ishim complex, it is possible to use the modernized MiG-31 as a delivery vehicle of an IRBM with a launch weight up to 10 tonnes. The missile complex with IRBM will have a high level of survivability in view of the aircraft’s high speed of departing from the airfield on receiving a missile attack warning signal. The MiG-31 fighter equipped with an IRBM will not meet a single one of the criteria of a heavy bomber, and accordingly the quantitative limitations of the START Treaty in force will not extend to this aircraft and to the ballistic missiles and their warheads accommodated on it. The missile complex with air-launched IRBM can be employed to perform the nuclear deterrence mission on the European, Eastern, and Southern strategic axes without the air platform leaving Russian airspace. Due to the air platform’s flight range, such a complex can exercise nuclear deterrence on several strategic axes simultaneously. Missile complexes with ground-based IRBMs do not have such capabilities. The air-launched IRBM can be standardized with missiles intended for operational insertion of satellites and for satellite intercept. One option permitting a cost reduction and decreased time periods for development of the intermediate-range missile complex is to create a ballistic missile using elements of the existing Iskander-M operational-tactical ballistic missile.

*Sigh*. The original START (unlike its successor) prohibited air-to-surface ballistic missiles (ASBMs)
in this range in part because they could easily be INF-violating IRBMs-in-waiting.

 

[bobbymike]

https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2018/03/12/russia-to-world-our-new-nukes-are-no-bluff/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Defense%20DNR%2003-12-18&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Daily%20News%20Roundup

MOSCOW — Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unveiling of several new types of nuclear weapons March 1, Westerners were left scratching their heads and wondering if he was bluffing. But in an interview published by the military newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda (Red Star) on Monday, Deputy Defence Minister Yury Borisov assured them: “This is no bluff.”

Borisov was specifically referring to the hypersonic boost-glide system Avangard, also known as 4202, one of the systems mentioned by Putin. The announcement itself was not a revelation. Russia has been testing hypersonic technologies similar to the U.S. gliders since at least 2004, and the Soviets began playing with the technology in the late 1980s.

 

[bobbymike]

http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-satan-2-nuclear-missile-test-2018-3

A top Russian General announced on Tuesday that Russia's military will conduct a second test of its new, most powerful nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile amid rising tensions with NATO.

"The first launch of this missile took place at the end of December last year. At the moment preparations are in full swing at the Plesetsk cosmodrome for another pop-up test," Russian General Valery Gerasimov told state-run media, referring to testing the missile's systems used to eject from its silo as a "pop-up" test.

During Putin's State of the Nation speech on March 1, he talked up the new system, called the RS-28, or the "Satan 2" by NATO members, while showing footage of its testing.

But like much of Russia's military hardware, the actual footage only showed an ejection test, and then a computer animation took over to demonstrate the missiles flight path, which has not yet been tested.

 

[bobbymike]

https://thediplomat.com/2018/03/russia-plans-to-field-new-hypersonic-boost-glide-warhead-by-2019/

A new hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV)—the Avangard (Vanguard in English) hypersonic boost-glide warhead—is expected to enter service with Russia’s Strategic Missile Force no later than 2019, according to a Russian defense industry source.

“After the first series of glide vehicles is produced and a controlling launch of a missile with this armament is carried out successfully, the Avangard complex may be accepted for service already in late 2018. At the latest, it will be accepted for operation and placed on high alert in 2019,” the source told TASS news agency on March 15.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced during his annual State of the Union address on March 1 that the Avangard HGV, developed under the secret Project 4202 and codenamed Yu-71, has already entered serial production. “I can tell you that we have all this already and it works well. Moreover, Russia’s industry has begun to batch-produce this system. It is yet another type of strategic weapon at Russia’s disposal,” Putin said. “We’ve called it Avangard.”
Enjoying this article? Click here to subscribe for full access. Just $5 a month.

The HGV is capable of traveling at speeds greater than Mach 20, according to the Russian president. Additionally, Putin explained:

New composite materials have allowed for coping with the problem of keeping the winged vehicle under control during a prolonged flight amid plasma. In fact, while approaching the target it looks like a meteorite. A fireball. The temperature on its surface may reach 1,600-2,000 Celsius. Control of the winged vehicle remains reliable all the way.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has purportedly already signed a contract for the first batch of Avangard HGVs, while the commander of Russia’s Strategic Missile Force, General Sergei Karakayev, said the trials of the new weapon system has been completed.

Given the complexity and technical difficulties that go into designing a hypersonic warhead, the 2019 induction date appears to be unrealistic at this juncture and there has been no official confirmation by the Russian MoD that the Avangard will enter service by 2019. Furthermore, the U.S. intelligence community noted in 2017 that China’s HGV warhead, the DF-17, will be the first to see operational deployment anywhere, implicitly suggesting that the Avangard will probably not make the 2019 deployment.

The Avangard HGV will likely be mounted on Russia’s newest and most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the RS-28 Sarmat (NATO designation: SS-X-29 Satan 2). The Sarmat can be fitted with more than ten nuclear warheads. However, three to five HGVs per missile seem more realistic. The missile is expected to enter service by 2020, replacing the Soviet-era RS-36M Voyevod ICBMs. However, as with the majority of Russian defense programs, the project has encountered multiple delays and it appears unlikely that the Sarmat will enter service within the next two years.

As I reported last week, preparations are underway for another set of tests of the missile at the Plesetsk space center.

 

[bobbymike]

http://tass.com/defense/993615

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. On March 12, 2018, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said in an interview with Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper that Russia’s Defense Ministry had signed a contract on the serial production of the most advanced Avangard hypersonic missile complex.

The Avangard is a strategic intercontinental ballistic missile system equipped with a gliding hypersonic maneuvering warhead.

Read also
Putin announces Russia possesses hypersonic weapons

Maneuvering warhead

According to open sources, the guided hypersonic warhead (the spacehead) of the Avangard intercontinental ballistic missile system is codenamed 15Yu71. It was developed as part of the R&D work "4202" by specialists of the Military and Industrial Corporation "Research and Production Association of Machine-Building" (the town of Reutov) under the guidance of Chief Designer Pavel Sudyukov. Russia’s Federal Space Agency acted as the customer for the R&D work "4202."

http://tass.com/defense/995628

MOSCOW, March 22. /TASS/. Russia’s Avangard strategic silo-based hypersonic missile complex has been included in the state armament plan through 2027 instead of Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) as a weapon more essential to ensure the country’s defense capability, a source in the domestic defense industry told TASS on Thursday.

 

[Flyaway]

Russia Halts Years of Work On Ballistic Missile To Pay For Hypersonic Weapons

Just weeks after Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned it in a provocative speech, Russia has reportedly decided shelve development of its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile system and focus on fielding the nuclear-armed Avangard hypersonic boost glide vehicle using other designs. The decision suggests the Kremlin may feel the hypersonic weapon is more valuable than the missile carrying it, but also raises questions about whether the country has the necessary funds to support its broader strategic plans.

On March 22, 2018, Russian state-run news outlet TASS reported that development of the RS-26 was no longer a feature of the state armament plan for 2018 to 2027. In an annual state of the union address on March 1, 2018, Putin had said that the road-mobile Rubezh would be the primary launch vehicle for Avangard. The country had previously used the latter name to refer to the entire development program, including the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) component.

“The Avangard was included in the [state armament plan] program’s final version as more essential to ensure the country’s defense capability,” the source said, according to TASS. “All the work on the Rubezh and the Barguzin [rail-mobile ICBM] was put on hold until the end of 2027. A decision on the work’s resumption will be made after the current armament program is fulfilled.”

http://amp.timeinc.net/thedrive/the-war-zone/19588/russia-halts-years-of-work-on-ballistic-missile-to-pay-for-hypersonic-weapons?source=dam&__twitter_impression=true

 

[fredymac]

Another video showcasing Russia's new development projects. The high energy laser is shown at the very end where it fires out its' spotting scope instead of the actual beam director. About as ignorant as complaining that the SBX radar can't find targets without boresight directions from wide field sensors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoB7NlhDKLs

 

[bobbymike]

https://warontherocks.com/2018/03/red-glare-the-origin-and-implications-of-russias-new-nuclear-weapons/

“Crazy.” “Dr. Strangelove weapons.” These were just two of the more colorful reactions to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s revelation of new exotic nuclear delivery systems in a March 1 speech. The system receiving the most attention is a nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed cruise missile with intercontinental range, though the Status-6, a nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed long-range underwater vehicle, has also drawn comment. Why would Russia, which has over 1,500 deployed strategic nuclear warheads that can already be delivered from existing ballistic and cruise missiles, invest in these new, exotic — and, according to some, crazy — systems?

 

[bobbymike]

http://www.newsweek.com/russia-test-new-weapons-missile-force-show-ready-attack-862078

Russia was set to put its missile force to the test in a series of maneuvers that would see thousands of troops mobilized and some of its new and most advanced weapons put on display.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced Tuesday that up to 10,000 servicemen and 1,000 units of equipment would be inspected as part of a massive look into the Strategic Missile Forces' readiness to enter combat on a moment's notice. As tensions mount with the West, Russia has emphasized the need to develop its military capabilities to enforce its global campaign for greater influence.

 

[bobbymike]

https://www.csis.org/events/putins-new-strategic-systems-plans-realities-and-prospects

In his recent address to the Federal Assembly, President Vladimir Putin touted a number of new additions to Russia’s strategic weapons arsenal. His list included a nuclear-armed autonomous torpedo, hypersonic glide vehicles, and a nuclear-powered cruise missile. Some of these projects were long in the works, and well-known globally. Others were more of a surprise. What is the status of these systems? How developed are they, and how long until they are fully deployed? What impact will they have on the strategic balance between the United States and Russia? Please join us for a discussion with Leonid Nersisyan on the plans, realities, and prospects of these systems. Michael Kofman, Senior Research Scientist at CNA, will moderate.

 

[bobbymike]

https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/space-symposium/2018/04/18/stratcom-head-dont-doubt-russias-drive-to-develop-invincible-hypersonic-missile/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Socialflow

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The head of U.S. Strategic Command would not say whether the United States has seen evidence of Russia’s “invincible” hypersonic missile, but the U.S. military has observed both Russia and China operating hypersonic missiles of varied capabilities, he confirmed Tuesday.

“I won’t give you any specifics about the means we use to watch that. I won’t give you any of the technical specifics about the capabilities of those missiles,” Gen. John Hyten told reporters at the Space Symposium. “But I can tell you that we have observed both Russia and China testing hypersonic capabilities.”

Hyten’s comments come after Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed in March that Russia had successfully tested a new “invincible” hypersonic missile that could travel at speeds in excess of Mach 10 — twice the Mach 5 speed that qualifies an air vehicle as hypersonic — and with a range of more than 2,000 kilometers.

 

[bobbymike]

Kinzhal pictures looks like air-launched Oka

If you're on Twitter good to follow https://twitter.com/StrategicSteb

 

[bobbymike]

https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2018/05/07/putins_nuclear_superweapons_113411.html?utm_source=RC+Defense+Morning+Recon&utm_campaign=2fbd684f64-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_05_06&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_694f73a8dc-2fbd684f64-81812733

We say our nuclear deterrent is our highest priority; Russia says the same thing and really means it. Since the end of the Cold War, the Russian government has announced about 25 strategic nuclear modernization programs which are mainly new systems carrying new nuclear warheads. In January 2017, Russian Defense Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu stated that development of the strategic nuclear force was Russia’s first priority, noting that Russia will “…continue a massive program of nuclear rearmament, deploying modern ICBMs on land and sea, [and] modernizing the strategic bomber force.”[1] Russia sees its great-power status based on its nuclear capability which probably exceeds that of the rest of the world combined.

Putin’s recent claim of 79% modernization of Russia’s nuclear Triad seems exaggerated. However, Russia has modernized over two-thirds of its Triad since the process began in 1997[2] and will modernize the rest before we modernize any of our strategic delivery vehicles in a significant way. Moreover, Russia is expanding its nuclear force. Serious U.S. modernization will not begin for almost another decade in the best case scenario.

 

[bobbymike]

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/05/16/world/new-weapons-will-maintain-russias-might-decades-putin-says/#.Wvz6_n8h02w

MOSCOW – Russia’s new weapons, including an array of new nuclear systems, will ensure the country’s security for decades to come, President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday at a meeting with top military brass.

Speaking in Sochi, Putin said the new systems unveiled this year will significantly increase Russia’s military capabilities and “ensure a strategic balance for decades.”

 

[sferrin]

Capable of Carrying 2 Megatonne Nuclear Warhead

Source: Russian Poseidon Underwater Drone Capable of Carrying 2 Megatonne Nuclear Warhead

"MOSCOW --- Russia’s Poseidon underwater drone currently under development will be able to carry a nuclear warhead with a capacity of up to 2 megatonnes to destroy enemy naval bases, a source in the Russian defense sector told TASS on Thursday.

"It will be possible to mount various nuclear charges on the ‘torpedo’ of the Poseidon multipurpose seaborne system, with the thermonuclear single warhead similar to the Avangard charge to have the maximum capacity of up to 2 megatonnes in TNT equivalent," the source said.

With its nuclear munition, the underwater drone "is primarily designed to destroy reinforced naval bases of a potential enemy," the source said.

Thanks to its nuclear powerplant, the Poseidon will approach the target for an intercontinental range at a depth of over 1 km and at a speed of 60-70 knots (110-130 km/h), the source said. "

http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/193274/russia%E2%80%99s-poseidon-underwater-drone-to-carry-nuke-warhead.html

 

[bobbymike]

https://www.rt.com/news/427014-russian-hypersonic-missile-intel/

Russia’s state-of-the-art hypersonic glide vehicle, which analysts say is capable of easily cutting through the existing US missile shield, will become operational by 2020, reports citing US intelligence have warned.

Speaking to CNBC on the condition of anonymity, sources aware of US intelligence reports, said the Russian military successfully tested the weapon twice in 2016. The third known test of the weapon was allegedly carried out in October 2017, and allegedly failed when the device crashed seconds before hitting its target.

The sources believe the device would be a significant breakthrough which could enable Russian military to surpass US counterparts. The intelligence sources claimed that the hypersonic gliders will get onboard countermeasures to enable them to defeat even the most advanced missile-defense systems.

 

[sferrin]

Let's not forget the Kh-32 (of which the Backfire carries 3) is basically a hypersonic gliding weapon. With a 1,100lb warhead. Mach 5, 1000km.

 

[bobbymike]

https://special-ops.org/news/terrorism/us-intelligence-indirectly-confirms-existence-russian-hypersonic-weapons/

Citing one of the intelligence reports, a source said the hypersonic glider’s testing involved mounting it to an RS-18A intercontinental ballistic missile (NATO reporting name SS-19).

US intelligence says the vehicle is highly maneuverable, and thus unpredictable and hard to track. It is also fitted with onboard countermeasures which no existing US missile-defense system can defeat. Furthermore, although it can carry a warhead, it is believed that the force of glider’s impact, as well as its precision, may be enough to waste targets.

The intelligence reports, allegedly created this past spring, calculate that the Avangard will likely achieve initial operational capacity by 2020, according to CNBC’s sources.

 

[bobbymike]

https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2018/06/01/russia-has-plans-for-its-future-nuclear-subs-and-it-involves-hypersonic-missiles/

MOSCOW ― Russia’s next generation of multipurpose nuclear submarines, reportedly known as the Husky class, will be armed with hypersonic missiles, with the lead boat slated for launch in 2027, according to an unidentified Russian defense industry official quoted by the TASS news agency on Thursday.

“Zircon hypersonic anti-ship missiles will become the main armament of the newest multipurpose submarine,” the source said, referring to a Russian sea-based hypersonic missile project intended to replace the P-700 Granit anti-ship missiles that are common among Russia’s heavier-hitting warships.

Little is known about the Husky-class submarines. They’re called fifth-generation multipurpose submarines in the Russian press and are being designed by the Malakhit design bureau in St. Petersburg, but there is not yet a finalized version of the boat’s design. According to TASS, the Husky class will feature a typical ― or rather typical for Russian subs ― dual-hull design, with a 12,000-ton displacement.