Russia Attempts Neutralizing U.S. MD by Increasing Intercontinental Missiles

The increased intervention from the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on international issues is threatening Russia` s national interests and security. To break through this crisis, Russia is strengthening its capability as a nuclear deterrent.

To reinforce nuclear strike capability, Russia has been increasing its deployment of multi-warhead Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missiles. Russia will have up to 100 of the Topol-M missiles by 2010.

Russia aims at neutralizing the U.S. missile defense program only capable of intercepting 7 to 10 ballistic missiles. Russia also plans to build 12 new strategic nuclear missile submarines by 2010. The nuclear defense capability has been also uplifted. Quick response strategic units of 13,000 soldiers were established in 2001.

Yoo-Sung Hwang yshwang@donga.com