Russia's Hypersonic Weapons

Authors

Paul I. Bernstein, Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University
Harrison Menke, Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University

Abstract

Russia is developing at least three hypersonic weapons that are operational or approaching operational status. These systems, introduced by Russian President Vladimir Putin in his 2018 and 2019 speeches to the Federal Assembly, address requirements for Russian regional and strategic strike capabilities, and all are capable of carrying nuclear warheads. While these systems could pose problems for U.S. and NATO defense planning, their introduction in the near-term is not likely to fundamentally alter the existing balance of power or the prospects for strategic stability.

Document Type

Article

Topic(s)

NATO, Military Strategy, Nuclear Deterrence and Escalation

Region(s)

Russia, Eurasia

Publication Date

12-2019

Recommended Citation

Bernstein, Paul I. and Menke, Harrison, "Russia's Hypersonic Weapons" (2019). Articles and Op-Eds. 27.
https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/wmdcenter-articles/27