Russia Needs to Upgrade Nuclear Shield Due to ‘Colossal Threats’ -Russia’s Nuclear Chief
Russia must urgently bolster its nuclear deterrent in the face of mounting global threats, the head of the country’s state nuclear corporation warned Thursday, signaling a more assertive stance as tensions rise among the world’s top military powers.
Speaking to state media outlet RIA, Alexei Likhachev, CEO of Rosatom, declared that Russia’s nuclear “shield,” which he also called a “sword,” is the ultimate guarantor of the nation’s sovereignty and must be strengthened in the years ahead.
“Now, in the current geopolitical situation, is a time of colossal threats to the existence of our country,” Likhachev said. “Therefore, the nuclear shield, which is also a sword, is a guarantee of our sovereignty. We understand today that the nuclear shield must only be improved in the coming years.”
His comments come as Russia and the United States modernize their nuclear arsenals and early-warning systems. At the same time, China rapidly expands its strategic capabilities, surpassing the nuclear strength of Britain and France.
In May, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled an ambitious plan for a $175 billion “Golden Dome” missile defense system, modeled in part on Israel’s Iron Dome. The project aims to counter threats from Russia and China by intercepting ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles.
According to data from the Federation of American Scientists, Russia holds around 4,300 deployed and stockpiled nuclear warheads, while the U.S. maintains approximately 3,700 together, accounting for nearly 87% of the world’s nuclear arsenal.
China, now firmly the world’s third-largest nuclear power, has grown its arsenal to roughly 600 warheads. France follows with 290, Britain with 225, India with 180, Pakistan with 170, Israel with 90, and North Korea with an estimated 50.
