|
|
|
|
Russia Nuclear Forces, 2015
Currently, Russia is modernizing its strategic and nonstrategic
warheads; it currently has 4,500 nuclear warheads and 1,780 are deployed
on missiles and bomber bases. Additionally, there are 700 strategic
warheads and 2,000 nonstrategic warheads in storage, and an estimated
3,200 retired but largely intact warheads awaiting dismantlement.
In the latest Nuclear Notebook, Hans Kristensen and Robert Norris
examine Russia's nuclear arsenal and strategy. Despite Russian nuclear
threats, they are not building up their arsenal, but appear to be
leveling off the force within the next decade. However, there are many
uncertainties about the future development of Russian nuclear forces.
Available information indicates that Russia is continuing to reduce
strategic nuclear launchers well below the limit set by the New START
Treaty, and over the next decade all Soviet-era ICBMs will be
retired. Depending on the extent of modernization plans over the next
decade and how many missiles Russia can actually produce and deploy, the
overall strategic force appears to be leveling off just below 500
launchers.
Read the FAS Nuclear Notebook here.
|
|
|
|
From the Blogs
Russia Images the LACROSSE Spysat: A
Russian satellite tracking facility in Siberia has produced rarely-seen
photographs of a U.S. intelligence satellite. The U.S. Lacrosse radar
satellite was captured in images generated at Russia’s Altay Optical
Laser Center, apparently between 2005 and 2010. The images themselves
seem to be mostly just a curiosity. But perhaps they underscore the
growing visibility and the corresponding vulnerability of U.S.
space-based assets.
Is China Planning to Build More Missile Submarines?: Over
the past few months, several U.S. defense and intelligence officials
have stated for the record that China is planning to build significantly
more nuclear-powered missile submarines than previously assumed.
Recently, the commander of US Pacific Command (PACOM), Admiral Samuel
Locklear, stated that in addition to the three Jin-class SSBNs currently
in operation, “up to five more may enter service by the end of the
decade.” Production of five additional SSBNs by the end of the decade
would require fielding one SSBN per year for the next five years, a
production pace that China has yet to demonstrate. The first three Jin
SSBNs took more than a decade to complete. Hans Kristensen writes that
there are many questions related to the building of more subs, including
the timetable and operation, as China does not have much experience
operating SSBNs on lengthy patrols.
Nuclear Cooperation Agreements and Nonproliferation:
Last week, President Obama sent to Congress the text of a proposed
agreement with the People's Republic of China regarding cooperation in
the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Known as “123 agreements” based on
section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act, such accords are intended to
regulate international traffic in nuclear materials and technology. The
existing agreement expires this year. Among several
proliferation-related issues likely to be considered in finalizing the
pending agreement are Chinese missile technology exports and its nuclear
support to Pakistan.
Cybersecurity and Information Sharing and More from CRS: Secrecy
News has obtained recently released CRS reports on topics such as FY16
appropriations for the Department of Justice, cybersecurity and
information sharing and domestic human trafficking legislation in
Congress.
No comments:
Post a Comment