The Backbone of Russia's 'Nuclear Triad': Strategic Missile Forces

Take a look at the weapons of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces, which are the base of the so-called "nuclear triad."

December 17 marks the day of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces that were established 58 years ago. The forces are aimed at the nuclear deterrence of possible aggression. According to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, the strategic missile systems developed in Russia are unique and have no analogues in the world. The main weapons of the Strategic Missile Forces include all Russian ground-based intercontinental ballistic missiles with mobile and silo-based nuclear warheads.

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The Strategic Missile Forces are a component of the Russian "nuclear triad" that also includes strategic aviation and the strategic Naval Forces.

Photo: A SS-20 ballistic missile of the Strategic Missile Forces.

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Ground-based ICBMs are the main weapons of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces.

Photo: The RT-2PM Topol ballistic missile riding to the site of its permanent deployment with the Strategic Missile Forces of the Central Military District.

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The Strategic Missile Forces are directly under the command of the Russian General Staff.

Photo: A radio operator of the Novosibirsk Missile Formation at a mobile post.

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Photo: Currently only three countries (Russia, the US and China) possess a full-fledged "nuclear triad."

The RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile during the military parade marking the 72nd anniversary of Victory in the 1941-45 Great Patriotic War on Red Square, Moscow.

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Soldiers of the Novosibirsk air defense division during drills to train counteracting the enemy's diversion groups, in the Novosibirsk Region.

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The Museum of Strategic Missile Forces based on the territory of Strategic Missile Forces' training regiment in the town of Balabanov, Kaluga region.

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Participants in the national professional contest "Makeup under Camouflage" for female troops at the Russian Strategic Missile Force training center in Pereslavl-Zalessky.

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The launch of the RS-18 intercontinental ballistic missile from the Baikonur space center.

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A strategic missile rolling through Red Square on November 11, 1965.

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Units of the Strategic Rocket Troops parading on Red Square on May 1, 1967.