Russia's Nuclear Weapons: Parity, Triad, and New Challenges Composition, capabilities, and doctrine: how Russia's strategic forces are structured and what has changed in 2025 Full paritywith the US in nuclear forces Nuclear triadland, sea, air 5 conditionsfor use under the 2024 doctrine New systemsBurevestnik, Poseidon, Oak Russia's nuclear arsenal remains the main guarantee of national security and a tool of strategic deterrence. Unlike conventional armed forces, which, according to Western analysts, are inferior to the collective capabilities of NATO, Russia's nuclear forces possess full parity. This means that Moscow is capable of delivering a retaliatory strike that would make any large-scale aggression meaningless. In 2025-2026, the topic of nuclear deterrence once again came to the fore due to the modernization of the arsenal, changes in doctrine, and the creation of new weapons systems. 1. Nuclear Triad: Structure and Status Russia, along with the US and China, is a possessor of a full-fledged nuclear triad — that is, forces capable of striking from land, under water, and from the air. Each component has its own specifics and advantages. Land Component: RVSN and New Missile Systems The backbone of strategic land forces is the Rocket Forces of Strategic Purpose (RVSN). Equipped with intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) of both fixed and mobile basing, they are armed with intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The key role is played by the missile systems "Yars" (RS-24), capable of striking targets at a distance of up to 11 thousand kilometers. One "Yars" missile can carry up to six warheads, allowing simultaneous attacks on several targets. Thanks to mobile launchers and modern systems for overcoming ABM, "Yars" remains one of the most effective elements of the triad. The "Sarmat" heavy liquid-fueled ICBM, intended to replace the Soviet "Voyevoda" missiles, is also under development. However, the tests of "Sarmat" are facing difficulties. D ... Read more