Vladimir Putin has a broad arsenal of latest weapons that Nato may struggle to challenge, in response to a report cited in German media.
News site Die Welt referenced a ‘confidential Nato document’ which lays bare the difficulties facing the alliance as Russia ramps up its military capabilities.
Among the many weapons prompting concern is the Burevestnik missile – nicknamed the ‘Flying Chernobyl’ – which Putin claimed to have successfully tested last month.
Chatting with Metro on the time, John Erath of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation dismissed the Russian leader’s announcement as a probable ‘propaganda ploy’.
However the secret document reportedly shows Nato is taking it seriously, claiming its existing military challenges ‘can be exacerbated by the cruise missile’s extreme range and maneuverability’.
One other alleged cause for concern is the Oreshnik missile, a hypersonic ballistic weapon which was unleashed on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro a 12 months ago.
Its range, in response to Russian sources, was 3,100 miles – which might allow the Kremlin to focus on British naval bases and even the west coast of the USA.
The missile’s warhead may also be equipped with plenty of different munitions, which could include nuclear technology.
In line with Die Welt, Nato’s secret report admits the ‘ambiguity of the warheads poses challenges’.
The newspaper says the document also accommodates a warning about Nato’s ‘shortage of anti-submarine torpedoes’ to combat Russia’s Poseiden-class submarines.
It is predicted that the vessels, which could also possess an extreme range, can be operational in five years’ time.
There was more positive news earlier this month, when it was reported that Putin’s ‘Triumf’ air defence system was blown to pieces after being struck by drones.
The launcher, value as much as £960 million, seemed to be destroyed around the identical time as a big ammunition depot near the village of Udachne, outside Simferopol.
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