Russian Nuclear Weapons: Parity, Triad and New Challenges Composition, capabilities and doctrine: how the strategic forces of Russia are structured and what has changed in 2025 Full paritywith the US in nuclear forces Nuclear triadland, sea, air 5 conditionsfor application under the 2024 doctrine New systemsBurevestnik, Poseidon, Oak Russian nuclear weapons remain 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, Russian 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 theme of nuclear deterrence once again came to the fore in connection with 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 United States and China, is a possessor of a full-fledged nuclear triad — that is, forces capable of striking from land, under the water, and from the air. Each component has its own specificity 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 (ICBM) of both fixed and mobile basing, they are armed with intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM). 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 multiple targets. Thanks to mobile launchers and modern systems for overcoming ABM, «Yars» remains one of the most effective elements of the triad. The heavy liquid-fueled ICBM «Sarmat» is under development to replace the Soviet missiles «Voyevoda». However, the tests of «Sarmat» are fac ... Read more