Russia is expanding its nuclear missile arsenal, and a new report shows it has deployed a nuclear-armed air-to-air missile. This move marks a rare shift since the Cold War, when such weapons were last seen.
The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) released an unclassified intelligence assessment revealing Russia’s latest nuclear missile developments. Besides adding new nuclear weapons, Russia is training Belarusian forces to handle nuclear arms stationed in Belarus, its close ally.
Unlike targeted missiles, these are “area effect” weapons that can damage anything within a large blast radius. Imagine trying to shoot down an invisible enemy — stealth aircraft or drone swarms — that are tough to lock onto.
Russia’s nuclear missile could make it easier to clear the sky in a flash, but with an obvious risk of massive destruction.
The kicker? The U.S. and Russia haven’t had air-to-air nuclear missiles since the Cold War. The U.S. retired its only one in the 1970s, and now Russia’s bringing them back. It’s like reviving a Cold War relic, but in a modern warzone.
The nuclear missile likely in play is a variant of the R-37M missile, known to NATO as the AA-13 Axehead — a long-range missile turned nuclear.
Why Now?
In the Ukraine war, Russian leaders have already lowered the threshold for using nuclear weapons. Threats have flown, and now the tools look more dangerous. While conventional area effect weapons exist, putting a nuclear warhead on a missile sends a strong message. It’s a clear escalation — like turning up the volume when a quiet warning just won’t do.
It’s hard not to feel a bit of irony here. The world moved away from these air-to-air nuclear missiles because bomber formations, the original targets, are no longer relevant. Yet Russia has found a new reason to dust off the concept, maybe as a wild card or a message to the West.
What’s Next?
The deployment of these nuclear missiles raises many questions about global security and stability. Will other countries respond? Could this spark a new arms race? The world is watching closely.
For more detailed insights on nuclear weapons and global security, check out The War Zone’s report on the AA-13 Axehead missile.
Also Read What Is the Minuteman III? Inside the US Nuclear Missile Test
