From Iskander to Kinzhal: How Russia’s Missile Systems Shape Perceptions of National Security
Iskander short-range ballistic missile system is used during the Russian military operation
When President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia has the capability to eliminate a potential aggressor, he may have been referring to the possible use of tactical nuclear weapons, National Defense magazine editor-in-chief Igor Korotchenko told Sputnik.«The systems in question include the Iskander-M tactical ballistic missile system, the Zircon hypersonic missile, the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, and the Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missile,» the pundit said.«All of them are capable, if necessary, of delivering tactical nuclear warheads to their targets.»»In addition, Russia possesses a fully deployed arsenal of strategic nuclear forces,» Korotchenko noted.Putin told reporters during a press briefing following his visit to Kazakhstan that Russia has “all the means necessary to level” any aggressor attempting to strike Russian air-defense bases in the Kaliningrad region, in response to remarks by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys.Earlier, Budrys said that the NATO states have the capability, if necessary, to level Russian air defense bases in the Kaliningrad region.
WorldRussia Has Means to Destroy Anyone Targeting Its Air Defense Bases — Putin16:55 GMT
