Technology
Putin says that the Russian Navy will receive hypersonic nuclear weapons
(Reuters) Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that the Russian Navy will be armed with hypersonic nuclear missiles and underwater nuclear drones, which the Ministry of Defense said were in their final testing process.
Putin, who insists he doesn't want an arms race, has repeatedly spoken about a new generation of Russian nuclear weapons that he believes is unprecedented and can reach almost anywhere in the world. Many Western analysts have challenged their success.
The arms, some of which have yet to be tested, include the underwater nuclear drone Poseidon, intended to be carried by submarines, and the hypersonic cruise missile Tsirkon (Zircon), which can be tested on surface vessels.
The combination of size, maneuverability and altitude of hypersonic missiles, capable of flying at more than five times the sound level, makes tracking and intercepting difficult for them.
Speaking at an annual naval parade in St. Petersburg that highlights Russia 's best ships, nuclear submarines and naval aviation, Putin said the capabilities of the navy were rising and this year it will be receiving 40 new warships.
He did not say when new hypersonic weapons would be provided, but indicated the day was getting closer.
The widespread introduction of advanced digital technologies that have no equivalent in the world, including hypersonic strike systems and underwater drones, would provide the fleet with unique benefits and enhanced fighting capabilities, Putin said.
In a separate statement released via Russian news agencies, the Ministry of Defense said Belgorod research, the first submarine capable of carrying the Poseidon drones, was ongoing and research of the weapons systems was about to be completed.
Work to develop new weapons systems for the Navy is being successfully completed, it has been quoted as saying.
Putin vowed last year to mount hypersonic missiles on ships and submarines capable of operating beyond U.S. territorial waters if the U.S. decided to mount intermediate-range nuclear arms in Europe.
Washington has not deployed these weapons in Europe, but it is worried that Moscow might.
Source: Reuters; Editing by Barbara Lewis
