Russia is introducing nuclear aerial missile for MiGs and Su, - US intelligence
Russia is deploying a new tactical nuclear-capable guided missile, which is being installed on MiG-31 and Su-30SM, Su-35S and Su-57 fighters.
This was reported by Censor.NET with reference to a report by the US Defence Intelligence Agency and The War Zone.
According to the report, Moscow is expanding its nuclear forces, in particular by creating new systems, including "air-to-air" nuclear missiles, and modernising facilities in Belarus for the storage of tactical nuclear weapons and training of local personnel.
US intelligence believes that this is a modified version of the R-37M long-range missile, codenamed "Izdeliye 610M". This 510kg solid-fuel missile was developed in 2011, and the first deliveries to the Russian Air Force began in 2018.
The missile is capable of hitting air targets at a distance of up to 200 km, including large and low-manoeuvrability targets in favourable conditions. However, there is no official confirmation that the R-37M is equipped with a nuclear warhead.
The report emphasises that Russia retains approximately 1,550 strategic and up to 2,000 non-strategic warheads. However, according to analysts, the use of nuclear weapons in the current conflict is unlikely - unless the Russian leadership considers the threat to its regime to be existential.
