Russia is determined to maintain its nuclear deterrence against the United States. To that end, it is brandishing its nuclear capability in response to U.S. advancements in anti-ballistic missile technology and nuclear modernization.
Testing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) ensures that nuclear-capable missiles continue to work and have not deteriorated with age, and it broadcasts a country's capability to launch a nuclear strike. Russia's nuclear arsenal not only enshrines the country's position as a great power, it also guarantees security against potential foreign foes.
Today Russia is concerned that the United States will undermine its nuclear deterrence. It is hardly surprising, then, that Moscow is determinedly modernizing its nuclear weapons program while simultaneously reminding the world of its capability. Last year, the Russians tested eight ICBMs, and earlier in January, Russian officials announced plans to test 16 ICBMs in 2016, 14 of which will be tests of missiles entering service in Russia for the first time.
On the testing schedule are the new Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missiles, which had considerable development problems, and also other land-based ICBMs such as the new SS-X-30 Sarmat. Moscow is counting on these new missiles to ensure its nuclear arsenal survives against the U.S. anti-ballistic missile network.
Meanwhile, Russia is benefiting from the media's considerable interest in its ICBM tests, since the exposure helps highlight its continued nuclear deterrence capability. But more important, any launch proves that although international treaties have largely curbed the quantity of warheads and missiles, the race to develop and maintain quality nuclear equipment continues.
