Russia’s new weaponry to ensure strategic parity for whole century – Putin

Moscow does not threaten anyone but is steadily developing its nuclear arsenal, the Russian president has said

The latest additions to Russia’s nuclear arsenal, the Burevestnik cruise missile and Poseidon underwater drone, are set to ensure the country has “strategic parity” throughout the entire 21st century, President Vladimir Putin has said.

The Russian leader made the remarks on Tuesday during a ceremony to award those who worked on developing the new cutting-edge weaponry. The recent successful tests of the new systems are a result of the “long-announced work,” and should not come as a surprise, he stated.

“Our country is not threatening anyone. Russia, like all other nuclear powers, is developing its nuclear and strategic potential,” Putin said.

The Burevestnik nuclear-powered missile has demonstrated an unmatched range, while the Poseidon drone boasts speeds multiple times faster than any modern surface vessel can achieve, the president said. The next generation of similar weaponry is already being developed, Putin revealed, adding that, for instance, Russia has been working on a supersonic missile with a propelling system based on Burevestnik’s power unit.

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“The result you have achieved is, without exaggeration, of historic significance for our people. It ensures security and strategic parity for decades to come – one could safely say, for the entire 21st century,” Putin told those being recognized for awards.

The technologies developed during work on the new weapons systems have great potential for civilian applications, the president noted. In particular, the compact nuclear power unit technology could potentially be used in “creating power plants for the Arctic and exploring deep and near space,” he added.

Russia successfully tested its new nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile in mid-October. The missile traveled more than 14,000km during the test, and stayed in the air for about 15 hours, according to the military. The Burevestnik boasts a nuclear-powered turbojet engine and technically has unlimited range, which gives it unmatched global strike capabilities.

The test of another new weapon, the Poseidon, was announced shortly after. A nuclear-powered torpedo-shaped drone, it was launched from a submarine, at which point it activated its engine and traveled for an unspecified amount of time underwater, the military stated.

READ MORE: Russia launches new nuclear submarine (VIDEO)

Early this month, Russia also launched a new nuclear submarine, called the 'Khabarovsk', which is designed specifically to carry Poseidon drones.