Development and construction of Russia's strategic nuclear forces in 2023
Mobile Yars. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Strategic nuclear forces have been a key component of Russian national security over the past decades. Special attention is paid to their construction and development, and the necessary products and systems are supplied to the relevant connections and parts. In 2023, this process will continue. As reported, all components of the strategic nuclear forces will receive new weapons and delivery vehicles.
Ground component
The basis of the Russian strategic nuclear forces is the ground component represented by strategic missile forces. This branch of the military can already boast of a high degree of novelty of its weapons, and re-equipment continues. Reportedly, this year the units of the Strategic Missile Forces will continue to receive modern equipment and weapon.
The transition of the mobile component of the Strategic Missile Forces to modern mobile ground-based missile systems Yars continues and is nearing completion. In December, the Commander-in-Chief of the Strategic Missile Forces, Colonel General Sergei Karakaev, said that in 2023 the last regiment of the Bologovsky missile formation would switch to such equipment. This will complete the update of the grouping of mobile missile systems - it will completely abandon the old types of equipment.
At the same time, another stage of rearmament begins - the Strategic Missile Forces begin to deploy and put on combat duty a new heavy silo-based intercontinental ballistic missile "Sarmat". Last year, the necessary tests were passed, as a result of which such an ICBM was allowed to be produced and operated. This year, a new batch of such missiles is expected, which will be placed in launch silos. The number of missiles and the specific unit where they will be on duty have not yet been named.
Preparation of the missile "Sarmat" for launch. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The introduction of fundamentally new weapons continues. For several years now, a missile system with a hypersonic glide warhead "Avangard" has been on combat duty. As reported, the deployment of such complexes will continue. This year, new products of this type will be on duty. As a result of this process, several Avangard regiments will be deployed in the Strategic Missile Forces.
Underwater component
The naval component of the strategic nuclear forces, represented by missile submarines, is developing no less actively. Currently, a major program for the construction of modern nuclear submarines, Project 955 Borey, is being implemented, and the Navy regularly receives serial ships of this type.
In the last days of December, another SSBN pr. 955A, the Generalissimo Suvorov, was accepted into the combat strength of the Navy. Now the crew of the submarine is conducting the necessary training and preparation, and over the next few months should go to the point of permanent deployment in the Pacific Ocean. After arriving at the base, the ship will begin full-fledged service and become the next combat unit of strategic nuclear forces.
In addition, in December, the next Borei-A RPKSK was taken out of the boathouse and launched under the name Emperor Alexander III. Earlier it was reported that this year the submarine will be completed at the pier, after which it will pass all stages of testing. In December, she can be accepted into the Navy - and the beginning of her service in the strategic nuclear forces will be a matter of time.
Start of the complex "Avangard". Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The construction of three more modern cruisers is underway. They will be transferred to the customer after 2024-25. In addition, two more submarines are expected to be laid down this year. At the current pace of construction, they will be ready at the end of the decade. These will be the 11th and 12th ships of the series.
Air force
Work is also ongoing to upgrade and improve the air component of the strategic nuclear forces, represented by long-range strategic bombers. Such goals are achieved both through the repair and modernization of available videoconferencing equipment, and - more recently - thanks to the resumption of production.
About a year ago, the Kazan Aviation Plant began factory tests of the first Tu-160M strategic bomber of a completely new construction. To date, the aircraft has passed the bulk of the checks and may be accepted by the customer in the near future. In addition, in December, two more such missile carriers went to the flight test station - one new and one after modernization. Completion dates for the three aircraft were not specified, but it can be expected that they will begin service as early as 2023-24.
In parallel, the repair and modernization of combat bombers of all major types continues. Apparently, this year the Aerospace Forces will again receive several Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3 and Tu-160 aircraft, which have been updated according to the latest projects. So, just a few days ago, another modernized Tu-95MSM performed its first flight after repairs.
SSBN "Emperor Alexander III" dj time of withdrawal from the boathouse, December 2022 Photo "USC"
It should be recalled that last year the strategic aviation often involved in the Special Operation for the Protection of Donbass. Long-range bombers, using standard weapons, repeatedly struck at enemy targets. The consumption of real ammunition, which exceeds the needs of routine exercises, poses additional challenges for the industry. She will have to replenish and / or increase arsenals.
Troop infrastructure
The combat effectiveness and other indicators of the strategic nuclear forces, as well as other components of the armed forces, depend not only on weapons and equipment. Of great importance is the infrastructure used in the operation of strategic weapons or providing service to personnel. In all cases, certain measures are taken and the necessary facilities are built.
Thus, in recent years it has been repeatedly reported that new facilities are being built in the position areas of the Strategic Missile Forces and the existing ones are being rebuilt. First of all, this concerns launchers and various support systems. In addition, they regularly talk about the construction and development of residential buildings, social infrastructure, etc. Obviously, in 2023, military builders will again hand over a number of such facilities.
Similarly, facilities and bases of the naval fleet. Thus, active preparations are being made in the Far East. The Pacific Fleet is expected to receive several new submarines this year and next, which have certain requirements for offshore operation. In addition, issues of improving conditions for personnel are being addressed.
Tu-160M new construction on trials. Photo "UAC"
A massive airfield modernization program is reportedly underway, incl. suitable for use by strategic aviation. Apparently, not only facilities are being built that are directly related to airfields and the operation of aviation equipment.
Continuous Processes
Strategic nuclear forces are of particular importance for national security, and therefore great attention is paid to their development. The construction and renovation of the necessary facilities is being carried out, the necessary models of equipment and weapons are being produced, etc. Thanks to this, the share of modern models in strategic nuclear forces in recent years has not fallen below 80-90 percent, which has a positive effect on their capabilities and ability to solve strategic deterrence tasks.
The construction and renewal of strategic nuclear forces is actually a continuous process, and new orders and objects are delivered regularly and rhythmically. And in the new 2023, work in this direction will continue. As a result of this, the troops will master and put on combat duty new models, and the personnel will be able to serve in improved conditions. Together, these measures will ensure the security of the entire country.
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