Russia Must Remain A Major Nuclear Power

DefenceTalk.com ^

[DTAD]

Moscow, Russia: An all-out war or armed conflict between the great powers no longer seems possible. However, the five official nuclear powers are in no hurry to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in their policy, a fact attested to by the US's new nuclear doctrine, loose rules of engagement for using nuclear weapons in the event of a crisis and greater regional tensions.

Russia therefore has no choice but to remain a major nuclear power in the foreseeable future.

[gonzo]

"...50 strategic bombers for carrying nuclear and conventional weapons;..."

I wonder what model they are?

"...Strategic aviation. Russian strategic bombers include 78 aircraft of three types: 14 Tu-160 Blackjacks; 32 Tu-95 MS6 Bear-H6s; and 32 Tu-95 MS16 Bear-H16s. Bomber deployment and weapon systems remain essentially the same as last year (see "Russian Nuclear Forces, 2004," July/August 2004 Bulletin.)

Damn, it took a long time for me to find these! 64 operational Bears!

Thanks, DTAD! Count the mosques in your neighbourhood, then stay well armed and safe.................FRegards

[Androcles]

Well of course it should...Russia, like Britain or France of the 5 official Nuclear powers, would take a huge hit in their global status if they downsized their nukes. Nukes give status, now more than ever before since the beginning of the cold war - that's part of the reason why nukes are more of an essential status item for emerging powers than ever before.

[Thunder90]

If only China's and Russia's buildup of weapons were directed at the Muslim world...