Luke Allen – Military Political Analyst – Makati, Manila-lukeallenmanila@journalist.com
In a move that has sparked international concern, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to resume the production of intermediate nuclear-capable missiles. This development marks a significant shift in Russia’s military strategy and underscores Putin’s preference for bolstering strike capabilities over engaging in diplomatic dialogue, particularly with the United States.
During a high-profile meeting with senior defense officials, Putin emphasized the urgent need to develop and produce these strike systems. His remarks indicated a clear intention to enhance Russia’s missile arsenal and strategically position these weapons to maximize their deterrent effect.
“We must ensure our security by all means necessary,” Putin declared. This includes resuming the production of intermediate nuclear-capable missiles and deciding on the optimal locations for their deployment.”
This announcement comes amid deteriorating relations between Russia and the West, with the collapse of several arms control agreements that once helped to maintain strategic stability. Notably, the U.S. exited the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019, citing Russia’s pact violations as the primary reason. The treaty, which had been a cornerstone of arms control since its inception in 1987, prohibited the development and deployment of ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers.
The U.S. withdrawal from the INF Treaty was a response to Russia’s deployment of the 9M729 missile system, which Washington asserted violated the treaty’s terms. Despite repeated denials from Moscow, the move effectively ended one of the last remaining vestiges of Cold War-era arms control, leaving both nations free to develop and deploy previously banned missile systems.
In the years following the treaty’s dissolution, efforts to engage in meaningful dialogue on strategic stability have faltered. Russia has largely bypassed the Strategic Stability Dialogue, a bilateral forum to address security concerns and prevent an arms race. Putin’s recent announcement signals a further departure from these diplomatic efforts, raising the specter of a renewed arms race in Europe and beyond.
Russian officials have defended the decision to resume missile production, arguing that it is necessary to respond to perceived threats from NATO. U.S. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated, “We have been forced into this position by the aggressive policies of the West. Our actions are purely defensive and aimed at protecting our national security.”
However, Western analysts see this move as an escalation that could destabilize Europe’s fragile security environment. “This decision by Russia to resume production of intermediate nuclear-capable missiles is deeply troubling,” said Mark Fitzpatrick, an arms control expert. It reduces the chances of future arms control agreements and increases the risk of miscalculation and conflict.”
The implications of Putin’s announcement extend beyond Europe. Countries in Asia and the Middle East will likely watch these developments closely, as deploying such missiles could alter regional security dynamics. China, in particular, has expressed concerns over the potential stationing of U.S. intermediate-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific region, which could, in turn, provoke a response from Beijing.
The international community now faces the challenge of addressing these escalating tensions. Calls for renewed diplomatic efforts and arms control negotiations will likely intensify, but the future remains uncertain. As both Russia and the U.S. continue to modernize their nuclear arsenals, the world is reminded of the precarious balance that once kept the specter of nuclear conflict at bay.
In conclusion, Putin’s decision to resume the production of intermediate nuclear-capable missiles marks a significant and potentially destabilizing development in global security. With both Russia and the U.S. seemingly entrenched in their positions, the prospect of reviving meaningful dialogue on arms control appears increasingly remote. The world must now grapple with the implications of this renewed arms race and seek ways to prevent it from spiraling out of control.