Russian officials deny claims of missing nuclear weapons

Article Abstract:

Senior Russian government officials have denied the claims of retired General Alexander Lebed that over 100 small nuclear weapons are missing from the active Russian arsenal. Lebed made the claims on a US television programme, saying that individuals can easily transport and detonate the 1 kiloton atomic demolition munitions. Russian officials denied the existence of the weapons which, according to Lebed, look like suitcases and have the potential to destroy a large city and its inhabitants. The claims have fuelled the debate on Russia's control of its nuclear stocks.

Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Nuclear weapons, Lebed, Alexander

---

CIA report renews concerns over Russian nuclear control

Article Abstract:

A CIA report points out that the Russian nuclear command and control system is under stress and that a severe political crisis could lead to a splitting of the general staff or nuclear commands. Socioeconomic hardships and malaise within the Russian armed forces have contributed to the stress, which the nuclear command and control system finds difficult to handle. However, depending on the weapons involved, and with enough time, all technical security measures can be circumvented within weeks or days. The Russians have dismissed the CIA report as inaccurate.

Evaluation, Command and control systems

---

CIA holds to assessment of ballistic missile threat to U.S.

Article Abstract:

The findings of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) threat to the US were congruent with the report of the Rumsfeld Commission. The reports also tallied with statistics in the 1995 National Intelligence Estimate on missile threat. Moreover, the ballistic missile capabilities of North Korea makes it a highly probable source of ICBM threat. Although Russia and China are modernizing their strategic forces and nuclear arms, dangers of ICBM attacks from both countries are unlikely.

Analysis, Ballistic missile defenses, Intercontinental ballistic missiles, Military planning

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Putin calls for more nuclear cuts, maintenance of ABM Treaty. Putin elected president, addresses nuclear agenda
• Abstracts: Russian arms and technology transfers to Iran: policy challenges for the United States. Russia proposes global regime on missile proliferation
• Abstracts: Bush's deferral of missile negotiations with North Korea: a missed opportunity. Toward a new nuclear posture: challenges for the Bush administration
• Abstracts: Action frames of environmental organisations in post-Soviet St Petersburg. What does the language of human rights bring to campaigns for environmental justice?
• Abstracts: A comprehensive transparency regime for warheads and fissile materials. A step-by-step approach to a global fissile materials cutoff

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.