Russia's Nuclear Missile Launchers On "Combat Duty", US Modernises Arsenal Spooked By Putin Threat?

Russia has placed nuclear-capable missile launch systems on "combat patrol routes," according to *Newsweek*, citing Russian media. The Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launcher systems were deployed in Novosibirsk, Siberia, with personnel and equipment readiness being checked for long-term field duty, according to TASS. The Yars RS-24, with a range of up to 7,500 miles, was first deployed in 2011. The move follows Russia’s announcement of changes to its nuclear doctrine on 29 September, expanding conditions for the use of nuclear arms, with President Vladimir Putin warning that conventional missile attacks from nuclear-backed states would be seen as a coordinated nuclear assault.

Amid these developments, the US has initiated a nuclear weapons modernisation programme to address rising global threats from countries such as Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, according to a National Nuclear Security Administration report. The report calls for updates to the US nuclear strategy, citing Russia’s violations of nuclear norms and China’s advancing nuclear programme. It emphasises the need for a robust deterrent, including modernising thermonuclear warheads and producing 80 plutonium pits annually to maintain the US stockpile's effectiveness.