Note: All specifications are from recent Jane's Information Group publications (Strategic Weapon Systems, Fighting Ships, Naval Weapon Systems, and All the World's Aircraft), except "Throw-weight", and "Yield" which are from the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Military Balance 1995-6, "Locations," which is from Nuclear Successor States of the Soviet Union (May 1996), and "Number Deployed" which is from Nuclear Successor States and Arkin and Norris' "Nuclear Notebook" in Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Disagreements are footnoted (with hypertext links), as are selected facts in the text.

The entries are listed as follows:

• Land-Based Strategic Weapons
• SS-18 Satan ICBM
• SS-19 Stiletto ICBM
• SS-24 Scalpel ICBM
• SS-25 Sickle ICBM
• Sea-Based Strategic Weapons
• Delta III SSBN
• Delta IV SSBN
• Typhoon SSBN
• SS-N-18 Stingray SLBM
• SS-N-20 Sturgeon SLBM
• SS-N-23 Skiff SLBM
• Air-Based Strategic Weapons
• Tu-95H Bear
• Tu-160 Blackjack
• AS-15 Kent ALCM
• AS-16 Kickback SRAM
• Non-Strategic Nuclear Delivery Systems
• SH-08 Gazelle ABM
• SH-11 Gorgon ABM
• SA-5B Gammon SAM
• SA-10 Grumble SAM
• AS-4 Kitchen ASM
• Gravity bombs
• SS-N-9 Siren SLCM
• SS-N-12 Sandbox SLCM
• SS-N-19 Shipwreck SLCM
• SS-N-21 Sampson SLCM
• SS-N-22 Sunburn SLCM
• SS-N-15 Starfish ASW
• SS-N-16 Stallion ASW
• Type 53-68 and Type 65 Torpedoes
• Depth Charges
• Principal Sources
• Footnotes
• Link to Brief Summary of Russian Federation Arsenal

SS-18 Satan (RS-20)

• Year Deployed: 1975
• Dimensions: 36.5 meters length, 3.0 meters diameter
• Weight: 211,100 kilograms
• Propulsion: Two stage liquid fuel plus PBV, cold launch
• Throw-weight: 8,800 kilograms
• Range: Mod 4 - 11,000 kilometers, Mod 5 - unknown, Mod 6 - unknown
• Guidance: Computer-controlled inertial for booster and PBV
• Circular Error Probable: 250 meters
• Warhead: Mod 4 with 10 warheads, Mod 5 with 10 warheads, or Mod 6 with one warhead
• Yield: Mod 4 - 500 kilotons each, Mod 5 - 750 kilotons each, Mod 6 - 20 megatons
• Locations: Uzhur - 52, Aleysk - 30, Kartaly - 46, Dombaroskiy - 52
• Number Deployed: 180 missiles (0 planned)
• Primary Contractor: Yangel Design Bureau

This heavy Russian ICBM carries 10 500-750 kiloton MIRVs, with a moderately accurate circular error probable (CEP) of 250 meters. The Mod 6 version is rumored to carry a single 20 megaton warhead, presumably for destroying the most hardened targets.¹

The SS-18 was an evolutionary follow-on to the SS-9; the SS-18. SS-17, and SS-19 deployed in the 1970s represent the fourth generation of Soviet ICBMs. Like the other fourth generation missiles, the SS-18 is transported and stored in a sealed capsule. SS-18s were designated "heavy" missiles in the SALT II, and a limit of 308 such heavy ICBMs was established, with Russia soon deploying to that limit. Though limited by treaty to 10 warheads each, the SS-18 is allegedly able to carry more -- its massive throw-weight certainly suggests such.²

During the Cold War, the SS-18 was perhaps the most feared of Russian strategic systems (hence its demonic NATO designation) because of the supposed threat it posed to U.S. ICBM silos. In the late 1970s and early 1980s the Committee on the Present Danger (among others) touted the "window of vulnerability" -- the threat the large, accurate SS-18 posed to U.S. ICBMs. This fear of ICBM vulnerability (which didn't take into account the invulnerability of the sea leg, and the alert posture of the air leg) was a significant impetus for the Reagan nuclear buildup of the 1980s. The SS-18s are slated for destruction under START II as multiple warhead ICBMs. The dismantlement process is ongoing.

SS-19 Stiletto (RS-18)

• Year Deployed: 1982
• Dimensions: 27 meters length, 2.5 meters diameter
• Weight: 105,600 kilograms
• Propulsion: Two-stage liquid fuel plus PBV, hot launch
• Throw-weight: 4,950 kilograms³
• Range: 10,000 kilometers
• Guidance: Inertial, with onboard digital computer, and PBV
• Circular Error Probable: 300 meters
• Warhead: Mod 3 has 6 MIRVs (under START II, assumed to be downloaded to Mod 2 with 1 warhead)
• Yield: Mod 3 - 550 kilotons, Mod 2 - 5 megatons
• Locations: Tatischevo - 107, Kozel'sk - 60
• Number Deployed: 167 missiles (105 planned)
• Primary Contractor: Chelomei Design Bureau

The SS-19 is a fourth generation ICBM (the others being the SS-17 and SS-18, which are both being eliminated under START II). The SS-19 Mod 3 carries 6 MIRVs, but a special provision of the START II Treaty will allow 105 of them to be downloaded to one re-entry vehicle⁴ -- it is assumed this will correspond to the previous one-warhead version, the SS-19 Mod 2. Like the other fourth generation Russian ICBMs, the SS-19 is transported and deployed in silos within a protective canister.

The SS-19s are based in silos estimated hardened to withstand 2,500-4,000 pounds per square inch (psi) overpressure, with some hardened to 6,000-7,000 psi, the hardest in the world.⁵ Even so, the days of secure silo-basing are long gone. A U.S. D-5 SLBM warhead would have little difficulty destroying such a silo, as with high accuracies, the target can be "cratered" by the blast. Such accuracy could even destroy even the theoretical "super-hard" silos (50,000 psi protection was deemed possible) thought up in the 1980s.⁶ Silo-based ICBMs are indeed vulnerable, obsolete relics of the Cold War.

SS-24 Scalpel (RS-22 Molodets)

• Year Deployed: 1987
• Dimensions: 23.8 meters length, 2.4 meters diameter
• Weight: 104,500 kilograms
• Propulsion: Three stage solid plus PBV, cold launch
• Throw-weight: 4,050 kilograms⁷
• Range: 10,000 kilometers
• Guidance: Computer-controlled inertial plus PBV
• Circular Error Probable: 200 meters
• Warhead: 10 warheads
• Yield: 300-500 kilotons
• Locations: Bershet - 12 (rail), Kostroma - 12 (rail), Krasnoyarsk - 12 (rail), Tatishchevo - 10 (silo)
• Number Deployed: 46 missiles
• Primary Contractor: Nadiradze Design Bureau

The SS-24 is one of the fifth generation of Russian ICBMs, along with the SS-25. Both systems are mobile, though the SS-24 is a rail-mobile missile (Mod 1), with some based in silos (Mod 2.) The rail-mobile version can be seen as the analogue to the U.S. concern about missile survivability, as exemplified in the rail-garrison MX Peacekeeper plans. SS-24 missile trains reportedly have three missile-launching cars, several diesel locomotives, an electrical power generator car, a command car, and several support cars. The trains are camouflaged as standard freight cars. Alert duty was cut back drastically in 1994 due to lack of fuel for the trains.

Production of the SS-24 ceased in 1991. In that same year there was the "Space Clipper" proposal to use SS-24s as civilian satellite launch vehicles. The missiles were to be dropped out of a converted Antonov-124 aircraft at 33,000 feet with parachutes, and then launched vertically while drifting downwards. The idea remains in the proposal stage.⁸

As multiple warhead ICBMs, all SS-24s are slated for destruction under START II. The Russians would have difficulty maintaining the SS-24s even if they wanted to, as Ukrainian production facilities for key spare parts have closed.

SS-25 Sickle (RS-12 Topol)

• Year Deployed: 1985
• Dimensions: 21.5 meters length, 1.8 meters diameter
• Weight: 45,100 kilograms
• Propulsion: 3 stage solid-fuel plus PBV, cold launch
• Throw-weight: 1,000 kilograms⁹
• Range: 10,500 kilometers
• Warhead: Single warhead
• Guidance: Presumed inertial with onboard digital computers
• Circular Error Probable: Estimated 200 meters
• Yield: 750 kilotons¹⁰
• Locations: Irkutsk - 36, Kansk - 46, Novosibirsk - 45, Yoshkar-Ola - 36, Nizhniy Tagil - 45, Yur'ya - 45, Teykovo - 36, Vypolzpvp - 9, Barnaul - 36, Drovyanaya - 18
• Number Deployed: 352 missiles (~600-700 planned)
• Primary Contractor: Nadiradize Design Bureau

This small, fifth generation ICBM is the latest Russian land-based missile. It can either be carried on an off-road, unhardened transporter-erector vehicle (TEL), or stationed in silos. Russia's START II force will likely see a mixture of these two basing modes. A provision of the treaty allowed for 90 of these weapons to be deployed in modified SS-18 silos¹¹ (reportedly hardened to withstand 6,000 psi overpressure.)¹² There was some controversy surrounding the SS-25, which the Soviets claimed was an upgrade to the SS-13 Savage. The U.S. claimed the difference between the two missiles was greater than 5%, qualifying it as a new system, and a violation of the SALT II Treaty.¹³

The mobile component will be constrained by START I, which stipulated that in peace time, mobile missile garrisons will be confined to groups of 10 missiles in a 25 square kilometer area. The SS-25 is accurate, and its one warhead has a comparataively large yield. This combination makes it the most credible hard-target kill ballistic missile of Russia's START II arsenal.

The production of this weapon, referred to as the RS-12 Topol by the Russians, has progressed unabated and will likely continue -- all currently deployed missiles, including those recently returned from Belarus, are mobile. An improved variant, the Topol-M (sometimes referred to as the SS-X-29), was flight-tested on December 20, 1994, with flight testing continuing thereafter. The Topol M, which uses only Russian production unlike its predecessor, is reportedly designed to be silo-based.¹⁴

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

• Year Deployed: 1982
• Displacement: 10,000 tons surfaced, 11,700 tons dived
• Dimensions: 152 meters length, 12.1 meters beam, 8.7 meters draft
• Propulsion: 2 nuclear reactors, 2 turbines, 2 shafts
• Speed: 24 knots dived, 19 knots surfaced
• Missiles: 16 SS-N-18 Stingray SLBMs
• Locations: Rybachiy - 9, Yagel'naya - 4
• Number Deployed: 13 submarines (12-13 planned)
• Primary Contractor: Unknown

The Delta IIIs (Russian designation, Kalmar class, Type 667BDR) carry the SS-N-18, the first MIRVed Soviet SLBM. There are several modifications of this missile, and some Delta IIIs have reportedly been retrofitted to fire the SS-N-23 used in the Delta IVs. The Russians may decide to retrofit the entire Delta III fleet and replace the older SS-N-18, though Admiral Gromov, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy said in 1993 that Russia would retain 176 SS-N-18's -- enough to equip all the 11 Delta IIIs thought to be retained under START II.¹⁶ Like the other Delta class SSBNs, it has a distinctive "hump"over the missile tube housing.

Nine of these boats are based on the Kamchatka Peninsula for Pacific operations, while the remaining four are based on the Kola Peninsula. One has had its missile tubes removed and has been converted to a deep sea rescue vehicle -- one or two more will be likely be retired under START II (There is some disagreement on this point, with some sources saying that the Delta II fleet will consist of 12 subs, and others claiming it will be 11.)¹⁷ The revised Russian fleet plan suggests that the entire Delta III class may be retired in the next decade.¹⁸

Russian ballistic missile submarine doctrine holds that the SSBNs should put to sea in protected waters close to Russian shores. These patrol areas, known as bastions, can be protected by martime patrol aircraft, sonar listening networks, surface anti-submarine vessels, and friendly submarines. These protective measures are necessary because unlike U.S. Ohio SSBNs, which patrol alone relying on quietness for protection, Russian missile boats can probably be tracked and destroyed by U.S. attack submarines. As proof of this tracking ability, on March 20, 1993, the U.S.S. Grayling (Los Angeles nuclear attack sub) struck a Delta III SSBN in the Barents Sea. While the collision was clearly inadvertant, the incident does demonstrate the ability to track (and thus sink) Russian SSBNs in their home waters, hence the Russian bastion precautions.¹⁹

Also unlike U.S. ballistic missile submarines, which have had two crews and maintained 55-66% at-sea rates, the Soviets only managed about 20% at-sea with one crew during the Cold War, with an additional 10-20% of subs dockside with the range to hit U.S. targets.²⁰ Present Russian SSBN at-sea rates are not even measured in percentages -- according to the Pentagon, the current Russian day-to-day sea-based deterrent force is only a single boat.²¹ Currently, one Russian missile submarine is at sea at any given time (with between 48 and 200 warheads), as opposed to an average of 9 American Tridents (with 1,728 warheads). The American number will go down to 864 at-sea warheads with the downloading from 8 to 5 warheads per missile mandated by START II, but there is clearly room for further reduction in U.S. Cold War-era submarine alert rates.

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

Delta IV SSBN (Type 667BDRM Delfin)

• Year Deployed: 1984
• Displacement: 10,750 tons surfaced, 12,150 tons dived
• Dimensions: 158 meters length, 12 meters beam, 8.7 meters draft
• Propulsion: 2 nuclear reactors, 2 turbines, 2 shafts
• Speed: 24 knots dived, 19 knots surfaced
• Missiles: 16 SS-N-23 Skiff SLBMs
• Locations: Yagel'naya - 7
• Number Deployed: 7 submarines
• Primary Contractor: Unknown

Referred to as the Delfin-class (Type 667BDRM) by the Russians, the Delta IV is the latest of the four Delta classes of SSBNs. The Delta class is itself a modification of the older Yankee class, and constitutes the fourth generation of Russian SSBNs. The Delta IV's missiles were recently upgraded following testing of a more accurate SS-N-23 version in 1988.²² Like the other Delta class SSBNs, it has a distinctive "hump" over the missile tube housing.

The seven Delta IVs are all based on the Kola Peninsula, with protected bastion patrol areas in the nearby Barents Sea, and easy access to the Arctic.

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

Typhoon SSBN (Type 941 Akula)

• Year Deployed: 1982
• Displacement: 21,500 tons surfaced, 26,500 tons dived
• Dimensions: 165 meters length, 24.6 meters beam, 13 meters draft
• Propulsion: 2 nuclear reactors, 2 turbines, 2 shafts
• Speed: 26 knots dived, 19 knots surfaced
• Missiles: 20 SS-N-20 Sturgeon SLBMs
• Locations: Nerpich'ya - 6
• Number Deployed: 6 submarines
• Primary Contractor: Unknown

These boats are the largest submarines in the world, referred to by the Russians as the Akula (Type 941), not to be confused with the NATO designation for a Russian attack sub. Quietness has been improved over the Delta classes, as has sheer firepower. The Typhoon represents the fifth generation of Russian SSBNs.

It can carry 20 SS-N-20 SLBMs, each capable of carrying 10 MIRVs, though they will probably be downloaded to six under START II. A follow on missile, the SS-N-28, is under development. These boats are extremely sturdy, built with double hulls and able to break through three meters of ice to launch their missiles. All six are based at the Kola Peninsula, for easy access to Arctic patrol areas. In 1995, a Typhoon (reportedly one of only two operational at the time) launched an SS-N-20 missile from the North Pole.²³

Unlike previous Russian SSBNs, the missiles are forward of the sail. Despite its innovative and mammoth design, senior Russian officers have expressed dissatisfaction with the Typhoons. There was a serious missile loading accident in 1992, but despite rumors that the boat might have to be scrapped, the damage has recently been repaired.

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

• Year Deployed: 1982
• Dimensions: Estimated 15.6 meters length, 1.8 meters diameter
• Weight: 35,300 kilograms
• Propulsion: Two stage liquid fuel plus PBV
• Throw-weight: 1,650 kilograms declared²⁴
• Range: 6,500 kilometers
• Guidance: Stellar inertial
• Circular Error Probable: 900 meters
• Warhead: 3 MIRVs (Mod 3 had 7 MIRVs)
• Yield: 200 kilotons per warhead
• Locations: 13 Delta III SSBNs
• Number Deployed: 208 missiles (176-208 planned)
• Primary Contractor: Makeyev Design Bureau

The Russians refer to the SS-N-18 as the RSM-50. This fifth generation SLBM was first deployed in 1977 aboard the Delta III SSBNs. Its accuracy is poor. There are some indications, such as the continued use of a similar stellar guidance system, that the SS-N-18 is a derivative of the older SS-N-8 Sawfly that was deployed on Delta I and II boats.

SS-N-18 Mods 1 and 3 were the first multiple warhead Soviet SLBMs. Given these missiles' inaccuracy and the fact that several may have been replaced aboard the Delta IIIs by the more advanced SS-N-23, this missile may be phased out in the near future. There have been conflicting statements about this possibility (see description of Delta III SSBN). In 1991 the Russians announced that all their SS-N-18s had been downloaded to three missiles, presumably in the Mod 1 configuration. Also, the SS-N-18 has been proposed to launch small satellites into low earth orbit, under the name "Volyna."²⁵

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

• Year Deployed: 1981
• Dimensions: 18 meters length, 2.4 meters diameter
• Weight: 84,000 kilograms
• Propulsion: 3 stage solid fuel plus PBV
• Throw-weight: 2,550 kilograms²⁶
• Range: 8,300 kilometers
• Guidance: Inertial plus stellar reference update, computer-controlled PBV
• Circular Error Probable: 500 meters
• Warhead: 10 MIRVs (to be downloaded to 6 MIRVs under START II)
• Yield: 100 kilotons per warhead
• Locations: 6 Typhoon SSBNs
• Number Deployed: 120 missiles
• Primary Contractor: Makeyev Design Bureau

While it had considerable testing difficulties, the SS-N-20 (Russian name, RSM-52) is one of the newest and most accurate Russian SLBMs (sixth generation), and has been compared to the American Trident I C-4. The SS-N-20 carries a large load of 10 MIRVs, though it is assumed they will be downloaded to six to make room for other warheads in Russia's START II arsenal. These missiles are carried on the six Typhoon subs. There is a follow-on missile under development called the SS-N-28 which is reportedly is more accurate. The first of the Typhoons is already being backfit to carry the SS-N-28, in a very slow modernization program. However, little else is known about the new missile program.²⁷

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

• Year Deployed: 1985
• Dimensions: Estimated 16.8 meters length, 1.9 meters diameter
• Propulsion: 3 stages, liquid fuel plus PBV
• Throw-weight: 2,800 kilograms²⁸
• Range: 8,300 kilometers
• Guidance: Inertial plus stellar reference update, computer-controlled PBV
• Circular Error Probable: 900 meters²⁹
• Warhead: 4 MIRVs (can carry 10 MIRVs)
• Yield: 100 kilotons per warhead
• Locations: 7 Delta IV SSBNs
• Number Deployed: 112 missiles
• Primary Contractor: Makeyev Design Bureau

The SS-N-23 is the other of Russia's newest SLBMs, referred to as the RSM-54. Like the SS-N-20, the SS-N-23 had considerable testing and reliability difficulties, but it is assumed these have been largely solved and that it is a mature system.

The SS-N-23s are carried on the Delta IV SSBNs, though some have been reportedly backfit on the Delta III subs as well. The SS-N-23 has also been described as the SS-N-18's follow-on. Even though it has the capability to carry 10 MIRVs, it is counted as 4 MIRVs under the START Treaty, and this is the number of warheads per missile postulated for future deployment.³⁰

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

Tu-95H Bear bomber (TU-95MS6/16)

• Year Deployed: 1956
• Dimensions: 45 meters length, 12.1 meters height, 48.5 meters wingspan
• Weight: Empty -120,000 kilograms, Maximum takeoff - 185,000 kilograms
• Propulsion: 4 Kuznetsov NK-12MV turboprops
• Maximum Speed: Mach .9
• Range (Unrefueled): 6,400 kilometers³¹
• Weapon Load: 11,340 kilograms
• Maximum Loadout: H6 version - 6 AS-15 Kent ALCM or AS-16 Kickback SRAM,
  H16 version - 16 AS-15 Kent ALCM or AS-16 Kickback SRAM.
• Number Deployed: 35 Bear H16s, 28 Beah H6s, 63 Bear H total
• Primary Contractor: Tupelov Design Bureau

These heavy bombers are turboprop-driven, though in most cases they were built recently (up until 1992.) There are two main nuclear-equipped versions, named for the number of weapons they can carry -- the Bear H6 (Russian designation, Tu-95 MS6) and H16 (Tu-95 MS16). The H-6 carries six weapons internally on a rotary launcher, while the H-16 carries an additional 10 on exterior pylons.³²

The Bear H is a cruise missile platform, presumably carrying AS-15 Kent air launched cruise missiles (ALCM), and AS-16 Kickback short-range attack missiles (SRAM). Like the B-52, the Bear will continue to be an effective cruise missile carrier since modern, high performance characteristics are not required for its standoff mission.

However, given the current economic situation in Russia and its effect on military funding, the operational level of these aircraft is doubtful. While no specific information is available, 50% operational levels are common throughout the Russian air forces, due mainly to decreased maintenance.³³ Also, unlike the U.S., which kept its bombers on strip alert from 1960-1991, the Russians have never had such a policy.

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

• Year Deployed: 1988
• Dimensions: 35.6/55.7 (spread/swept) meter wingspan, 54.1 meters length, 13.1 meters height
• Weight: Maximum takeoff - 275,000 kilograms
• Propulsion: 4 Samara/Trud NK-144 turbofans
• Maximum Speed: Mach 2.3³⁴
• Range (unrefueled): 12,300 kilometers³⁵
• Weapon Load: 16,330 kilograms
• Maximum Loadout: 12 AS-15 Kent ALCM or AS-16 Kickback SRAM
• Number Deployed: 25 bombers
• Primary Contractor: Tupelov Design Bureau

The latest Russian bomber is the four engine, variable wing geometry, supersonic Blackjack, the largest and heaviest bomber in the world. Though it has great speed characteristic of a penetrating bomber, the Blackjack appears to be configured for cruise missile (AS-15) and short-range attack missile (AS-16) use, with two interior rotary launchers mounting six weapons each. The design appears quite sleek and modern, almost a mirror image of the B-1B -- a similarity which the Pentagon capitalized on in the 1980s, when they in part justified building that bomber based on this similar Soviet threat. Like the B-1B, the Blackjack is designed with some stealthy characteristics. However, unlike the B-1B program, which produced 100 aircraft, the Blackjack stopped at 25, though allegedly, a 100+ production run was planned.³⁶

Problems surfaced with these massive bombers even before the end of the Soviet Union. On May 1, 1990, Krasnaya Zvezda (Red Star, Russian military journal) reported that Blackjack crews were chronically short of helmets, oxygen masks, and high altitude pressure suits. Likewise, maintenance workers were exposed to toxic substances and experienced hearing loss while working on the bombers. The Blackjacks are included in the hypothetical Russian START II arsenal, but there are severe problems to be overcome if they are to become an effective component of the force.³⁷

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

• Year Deployed: 1984
• Dimensions: 6 meters length, 3.1 meter wingspan, .51 meters body diameter (A) .77 meters (B) body diameter
• Weight: 1,500 kilograms
• Propulsion: Turbofan
• Maximum Speed: Mach .6
• Range: 3,000 kilometers³⁸
• Guidance: Inertial with terrain matching
• Circular Error Probable: Estimated 46 meters³⁹
• Yield: 250 kilotons
• Locations: Bear H and Blackjack bombers
• Number Deployed: Unknown, ~600 missiles
• Primary Contractor: Unknown

This long-range, subsonic cruise missile was introduced in 1984, several years after the development of the U.S. ALCM. The Russians refer to it as the Kh-55 or RKV-500. Like its U.S. counterpart, it has a long range, though less than half that of the ALCM, and fair accuracy. The AS-15 likely cruises at 200 meters. Approximately 600 are believed in service.⁴⁰

The A model is designed to be carried by the Bear H's and the B model by the Blackjacks, though it is doubtful that the latter heavy bomber will ever become operational. This weapon gives the Bear H a credible standoff capability. This design is shared by the SS-N-21 Sampson naval cruise missile, and the SSC-X-4 ground-launch version, although the AS-15 is smaller, since its air launch obviates the need for an initial booster to get it airborne. Non-nuclear development of the AS-15 is reportedly underway.⁴¹

There was a Russian follow-on to the AS-15, an analogue to our own Advanced Cruise Missile (ACM) called the AS-19 Koala. This missile, referred to as the BL-10 by the Russians, was a high altitude supersonic cruise missile. In 1990, it was estimated to have operational capability by 1995, but the program was reportedly canceled.⁴²

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

• Year Deployed: 1988⁴³
• Dimensions: 5.0 meters length, .45 meters diameter, tailspan .9 meters
• Weight: 1,200 kilograms
• Propulsion: Solid fuel
• Range: 200 kilometers
• Guidance: Presumed inertial
• Yield: 350 kilotons
• Locations: Bear H and Blackjack bombers
• Number Deployed: Unknown, ~1,400 total strategic nuclear air weapons of all types
• Primary Contractor: Unknown

The AS-16 is a very fast short range weapon designed principally to destroy enemy air defenses. The Russians describe their Kh-15P as an analogue to the recently retired American short-range attack missile (SRAM). Like the American SRAM II, which was canceled, the Russians have said that their AS-16 follow-on missile was also canceled in 1991.⁴⁴ Little else is known about the AS-16.

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

SH-08 Gazelle ABM (UR-96)

• Year Deployed: 1984
• Dimensions: 10 meters length, 1.0 meters body diameter
• Weight: 10,000 kilograms
• Propulsion: Solid fuel
• Range: 80 kilometers
• Guidance: Command
• Yield: 10 kilotons
• Locations: Kiln, Novo-Petrovskoye, Verena, Aleksandrov, Schodna, Mervskino, Kaliningrad, and Lytkarino⁴⁵
• Number Deployed: 64 missiles
• Primary Contractor: Vympel NPO

The SH-08 Gazelle is very similar to the U.S. Sprint ABM interceptor deployed in 1974. The Gazelle is a nuclear-armed endoatmospheric interceptor, and so must have great speed to intercept ballistic missile warheads in the atmosphere bearing down at Mach 25. The Gazelle is the second, terminal tier of the Moscow ABM defense system, and would be tasked to intercept warheads that evaded the upper, exoatmospheric tier, consisting of the SH-11 Gorgon. 64 Gazelle missiles are emplaced around Moscow, though there have been reports of continued production, and its silo-launchers may be capable of rapid reloading.⁴⁶

The Moscow ABM system is controlled by the Pill Box radar facility at Pushkino, north of Moscow. The large, phased-array radar covers 360 degrees, although the Pentagon has called this reliance on a single central directing facility a liability.⁴⁷ With 100 interceptors arranged in two tiers, the Moscow ABM system could not protect against an attack by U.S. forces, and seems more oriented against accidental launches, and the Chinese, British, and French arsenals. However, a comprehensive strike by these smaller nuclear powers would overwhelm the system.

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

• Year Deployed: 1983-4 (SH-11 upgrade)
• Dimensions: 19.8 meters length, 2.57 meters length
• Weight: 33,000 kilograms
• Propulsion: 3 stage liquid fuel
• Maximum Speed: Unknown
• Range: 350 kilometers⁴⁸
• Guidance: Command
• Yield: 1 megaton⁴⁹
• Locations: Moscow oblast
• Number Deployed: 36 missiles
• Primary Contractor: Vympel NPO

These are modified Galosh ABM missiles, those which first constituted the Moscow ABM system. 36 remain in operation, based in silos surrounding Moscow. These missiles are designed for exoatmospheric interceptions -- the first tier of defense, while the SH-08 Gazelle is the second, endoatmospheric tier. They also have a limited anti-satellite capability against targets in low earth orbit.⁵⁰

Little is known about the Galosh's follow-on, the Gorgon. The U.S. government has alleged that the Gorgon launchers have a refire capability of one missile, able to be reloaded in significantly less than one day. Rapid reload capability is banned by the ABM Treaty under Article V (2). The launchers themselves based at eight complexes which form a ring about 45 miles outside Moscow.⁵¹

Should any of the SH-11 Gorgons actually be used in the Moscow vicinity, their 1 megaton yield would itself cause havoc below -- not from the blast, but from the electromagnetic pulse (EMP). A nuclear weapon of that size exploded above the atmosphere causes a large EMP "pancake" as it is called, creating EMP effects throughout line of site to the blast. For instance, a detonation at 50 miles altitude would affect a 500 miles radius with EMP effects; a blast at 100 miles altitude would effect a 900 miles radius. The EMP effects would damage all non-hardened electronic components.⁵² It is quite conceiveable that while the Moscow ABM system might defend Moscow from a small attack, its very defensive use might temporarily take the heart of Russia out of the electronic age for an indeterminate period of time.

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

• Year Deployed: 1963⁵³
• Dimensions: 10.6 meters length, .86 meters body diameter
• Weight: 2,800 kilograms
• Propulsion: Solid fuel
• Maximum Speed: Unknown
• Range: 150 kilometers⁵⁴
• Guidance: Command and semi-active or passive radar
• Yield: 25 kilotons⁵⁵
• Locations: Unknown if still deployed with SAMs or in centralized storage
• Number Deployed: Unknown, ~1,100 total nuclear SAM warheads of all types
• Primary Contractor: Grushkin Design Bureau

The SA-5 was designated the S-200 Volga by the Soviets -- the SA-5A and SA-5C are conventional versions; the SA-5B is nuclear. The warhead probably has the option for either command or proximity detonation. It was designed in the 1950s to counter high-altitude American threats such as the B-70 Valkyrie and SR-71 Blackbird, as well as the new stand-off missiles such as the Hound Dog, Blue Steel, and Skybolt. The U.S. has long claimed the SA-5B has an ABM capability (and was tested in this role in the 1970s), particularly given the sizable 25 kiloton nuclear warhead it carries. Over 2,000 missiles are deployed (the percentage of the nuclear SA-5B version is unknown), though the aging SA-5 has increasingly been replaced by the SA-10 Grumble.⁵⁶ However, the SA-5 has received numerous upgrades and modifications, including terminal maneuvering capabilities.⁵⁷

It is interesting to note that the warhead of this anti-aircraft missile has a larger yield than the bombs that devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Part of the SA-5B network consists of a line of bases across the northwest approaches to Russia, known as the Tallinn Line.⁵⁸ The current status of the nuclear warheads assigned to the strategic SAMs is unknown -- they may have been placed with the tactical weapons in centralized storage. Yeltsin did announce in January 1992 that one half of all anti-aircraft nuclear warheads would be destroyed, because of its age, the SA-5B Gammon warheads would be a prime candidate for elimination.⁵⁹

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

• Year Deployed: 1980
• Dimensions: 7.11 meters length, .45 meters body diameter
• Weight: 1,500 kilograms
• Propulsion: Solid fuel
• Maximum Speed: Estimated 2.0 kilometers/second (7,200 kilometers per hour)
• Range: 45, 75, or 90 kilometers (5 kilometers minimum)⁶⁰
• Guidance: Command and inertial with semi-active radar
• Yield: Nuclear, yield unknown (conventional version - 130 kilogram high explosive)
• Locations: Unknown if still deployed with SAMs or in centralized storage
• Number Deployed: Unknown, ~1,100 total nuclear SAM warheads of all types
• Primary Contractor: Grushkin and Raspletin Design Bureaus

The SA-10 Grumble, along with the naval version, the SA-N-6 Grumble, was developed in the 1970s under the Soviet designation S-300. It is capable of high-altitude interceptions, can intercept large air-to-surface missiles, cruise missiles, and even has a limited capacity to intercept short-range ballistic missiles. In fact, it is alleged that the Russians tried to sell the SA-10 to the Israelis as just such a short-range ABM system. Many have compared the SA-10 to the U.S. Patriot system, a SAM not optimized or designed for theater ballistic missile defense, but with some capability in that area.

There are two versions of the SA-10. The SA-10A is fixed, with a four rail emplaced launcher, while the B version is mobile, carried in four launch canisters on a MAZ 7910 8x8 transporter erector vehicle. A follow-on SAM designated the SA-17 is reportedly under development. The missile has a capability against targets from 25 meters to 27,000 meters altitude, although it has a minimum range of 5 kilometers. Over 10,000 of these missiles have been manufactured, with numerous exports.⁶¹ There were approximately 1,750 nuclear versions, most deployed around Moscow, although it not known whether the warheads have been removed for centralized storage. Yeltsin has stated that half of the nuclear anti-aircraft weapons would be destroyed (this includes the older SA-5B Gammon.).⁶²

There was considerable controversy during the Reagan administration about the possible ABM capability of the SA-10. With so many purchased, including mobile versions, it was thought the SA-10 could form the nucleus of a national ABM system -- arguments similar to those the Russian are currently making against the THAAD and Upper Tier theater ballistic missile defense systems.

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

• Year Deployed: 1964⁶³
• Dimensions: 11.3 meters length, 3.0 meter wingspan, 1.0 meters body diameter
• Weight: 5,900 kilograms
• Propulsion: Liquid fuel
• Maximum Speed: Mach 3.3⁶⁴
• Range: 400 kilometers⁶⁵
• Guidance: Inertial with active or passive homing
• Yield: 1 megaton (1,000 kilogram conventional warhead)⁶⁶
• Locations: All tactical weapons stored in less than 100 storage sites
• Number Deployed: Unknown, ~2,200 total nonstrategic air nuclear weapons of all types
• Primary Contractor: Unknown

The AS-4 (known to the Russians as the Kh-22 Burya) was first deployed in the 1960s, although there have been at least three variants, the latest of which was deployed in the 1970s. Compared to today's cruise missiles, the AS-4 is large, with delta-shaped wings midway down the fuselage. The missile is designed for high altitude launch, with a cruise altitude in excess of 15 kilometers, followed by a steep terminal dive onto the target.

Approximately 50 were in service as of 1991 for use with Bear-B bombers. These bombers have since been destroyed, but the AS-4 has also been carried by other bombers such as the Tu-22M Backfire, Tu-22 Blinder B, and Tu-95 Bear G. All are in storage.⁶⁷

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

• Year Deployed: Unknown
• Dimensions: Unknown
• Weight: Unknown
• Circular Error Probable: Unknown
• Yield: Strategic, 5, 20, and 50 megaton bombs, Tactical 250, 350 kiloton variants thought to exist
• Locations: All tactical weapons stored in less than 100 storage sites
• Number Deployed: Unknown, ~2,200 total nonstrategic air nuclear weapons of all types
• Primary Contractor: Unknown

The Russians appear to have abandoned this, the oldest nuclear delivery vehicle, from the strategic role, relying on standoff cruise missiles instead. However, it is believed bombs would be used in the non-strategic role, carried by medium range bombers, as well as strike aircraft. Tactical and strategic bomb versions are known to exist, but again, the strategic bombs would probably not be carried by Russia's current standoff strategic bomber force .

Note the high yields quoted for the bombs. Even the tactical yields are quite high by American standards, whose dial-a-yield B61 has even subkiloton options. As for the strategic bombs, the Russians are known to have tested the largest weapon ever, a 58 megaton weapon capable of delivery by a Bear bomber on October 31, 1961.⁶⁸ The Soviet nuclear weapon philosophy in the 1960s emphasized very high-yield weapons, some of which may still exist today.

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

• Year Deployed: 1969
• Dimensions: 8.84 meters length, 0.5 meters body diameter
• Weight: 3,300 kilograms
• Propulsion: Solid fuel
• Speed: Mach .9
• Range: 110 kilometers⁶⁹
• Guidance: Autopilot with active radar and possibly infrared
• Yield: 200 kilotons (conventional payload is 500 kilograms)
• Locations: All tactical weapons stored in less than 100 storage sites
• Number Deployed: Unknown, ~500 total nuclear SLCMs of all types
• Primary Contractor: Zvezda

The SS-N-9 Siren is a relatively short-range anti-ship cruise missile. The SS-N-9 was one of the first generation of Soviet cruise missiles, along with the SS-N-7 Starbright, which it has now fully replaced. The SS-N-9 has in turn largely been superceded by the SS-N-22 Sunburn.⁷⁰ The primary purpose for the initial Soviet cruise missiles was the destruction of U.S. carrier task forces, which were an important component of the U.S. nuclear delivery infrastructure in the 1950s when the Siren was being developed.

After launch, the missile climbs to about 100 meters and uses its radar to identify the target. 10 kilometers out, the missile begins a slow, terminal dive onto the target. Some 250 SS-N-9s were believed fitted to Charlie II class SSGNs (nuclear cruise missile submarines), and Nanuchka I and III missile corvettes. 500 Sirens (nuclear and conventional) were belived produced..⁷¹

As with all Russian naval nuclear weapons, the nuclear version has been recalled to storage. Given the age of this system, and the availability of the newer SS-N-22 Sunburns, the SS-N-9 (certainly the nuclear version at least) is a likely candidate for elimination.

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

• Year Deployed: 1976⁷²
• Dimensions: 11.7 meters length, 0.88 meters body diameter, 2.1 meters wingspan
• Weight: 4,600 kilograms
• Propulsion: Solid fuel booster and turbojet
• Speed: Mach 1.7
• Range: 550 kilometers
• Guidance: Inertial with command updates and active radar
• Yield: 350 kilotons (conventional version has 1,000 kilogram payload)
• Locations: All tactical weapons stored in less than 100 storage sites
• Number Deployed: Unknown, ~500 total nuclear SLCMs of all types
• Primary Contractor: NPO Mashinostroyenia

The SS-N-12 Sandbox is a second generation Soviet cruise missile, an evolutionary improvement over the SS-N-3 Shaddock/Sepal. In recent years it has been gradually replaced by the third generation SS-N-19 Shipwreck.

Little is known about the missiles, which have not been photographed outside their launch canisters, although it is known that there were significant development difficulties. The missile is launched by a solid-fuel booster, and then switches to a turbojet which allows for supersonic flight. The Sandbox is carried on the Modified Kiev aircraft carriers, Slava missile cruisers, and Echo II and Juliett submarines. The four Kiev carriers were known to have at least two reloads for each of their 8-12 launchers.⁷³

As with all Russian sea-based nuclear weapons the nuclear warheads for the SS-N-19s have been withdrawn from service.

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

• Year Deployed: 1980
• Dimensions: 10 meters length, 0.85 meters body diameter
• Weight: 3,250 kilograms
• Propulsion: Solid booster and turbofan
• Maximum Speed: Mach 1.6 (some sources state Mach 2.0 or 2.5)
• Range: 550 kilometers
• Guidance: Inertial with command update and active radar
• Yield: Nuclear, 500 kilotons (conventional payload 750 kilograms)
• Locations: All tactical weapons stored in less than 100 storage sites
• Number Deployed: Unknown, ~500 total nuclear SLCMs of all types
• Primary Contractor: Unknown

The SS-N-19 Shipwreck is a third generation Russian anti-ship cruise missile system. It was the first Soviet vertically-launched cruise missile, designed to defeat the increased defenses of the U.S. carrier battle groups in the 1970s. Little is known about the missile, although it is thought to be similar to the SS-N-12 Sandbox. The SS-N-19 is launched by solid fuel booster, which is jettisoned, and then cruises at an altitude of over 20 kilometers, followed by a terminal dive onto the target.⁷⁴

The SS-N-19 is carried on the Oscar I/II cruise missile submarines, the Kirov battle cruisers, and the Kuznetsov aircraft carrier. Unlike earlier missiles, the current surface ships which carry the SS-N-19 do not have the accompanying missile guidance radar -- targeting for this long-range missile is presumably done through Tu-95 Bear D reconnaissance aircraft or shipborne helicopters such as the Ka-25 Hormone C and the Ka-27 Helix B. Russian radar ocean surveillance satellites (RORSAT) can also be used to target these missiles.⁷⁵

As with all Russian naval nuclear weapons, the nuclear SS-N-19s have been withdrawn from the ships into central storage.

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

• Year Deployed: 1987
• Dimensions: 8.09 meters length, 3.3 meter wingspan, .51 meters body diameter
• Weight: 1,700 kilograms
• Propulsion: Turbofan with solid booster
• Maximum Speed: Mach .6-.7⁷⁶
• Range: 3,000 kilometers
• Guidance: Inertial and terrain matching
• Circular Error Probable: 150 meters
• Yield: 200 kilotons
• Locations: All tactical weapons stored in less than 100 storage sites
• Number Deployed: Unknown, ~500 total nuclear SLCMs of all types
• Primary Contractor: Unknown

This long-range nuclear sea-launched cruise missile was removed from the Russian fleet, as were all naval nuclear weapons, in late 1991. The SS-N-21 is very similar to the U.S. SLCM, the Tomahawk TLAM-N, which has also been withdrawn. Other members of the SS-N-21 "family" of cruise missiles are the air-launched AS-15 ALCM, and the ground-launched SSC-X-4.

The SS-N-21 can reportedly be carried aboard the Victor III, Akula, Sierra I and II, and Yankee Notch class SSNs. There were also rumors that the Delta ballistic missile submarines might be fitted to fire the SS-N-21, but this is doubtful. The missile can be fired from a conventional torpedo tube, with the wings expanding after it breaks the surface. The SS-N-21 is initially powered by a solid fuel booster which is jettisoned, then by a turbofan engine. The missile likely has a theater strike role. The follow-on to the SS-N-21, the SS-NX-24, which had undergone testing, has been canceled.⁷⁷

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

• Year Deployed: 1980⁷⁸
• Dimensions: 10.0 meters length, 0.85 meters body diameter
• Weight: 3,950 kilograms
• Propulsion: Solid fuel booster and ramjet
• Speed: Mach 2
• Range: 120 kilometers⁷⁹
• Guidance: Inertial with updates and active radar or infrared
• Yield: 200 kilotons (conventional version, 500 kilograms payload)
• Locations: All tactical weapons stored in less than 100 storage sites
• Number Deployed: Unknown, ~500 total nuclear SLCMs of all types
• Primary Contractor: Unknown

The SS-N-22 Sunburn is a follow-on to the SS-N-9 Siren. This short-range anti-ship weapon has many improvements over the SS-N-9, particularly its sea-skimming flight profile, lighter weight, improved accuracy, and supersonic speed.

The postulated main role of the SS-N-22 is to destroy the Aegis command/defense system-equipped vessels guarding the carrier battle groups. The very high speed and sea-skimming flight profile would reduce time for the target to detect and launch defensive missiles. After a launch assisted by a solid fuel booster, the Sunburn cruises at approximately 20 meters altitude. The missile has its own active radar seeker, with improved capability to resist jamming. It takes only 2 minutes to cover the missile's entire range, with an estimated 1-2 conventional missiles needed to incapacitate a destroyer, or 1-5 to sink a 20,000 ton merchantman.⁸⁰ Needless to say, the nuclear-armed version with a sizeable 200 kiloton warhead would have a large lethal range for ships, sinking them outright or permanently disabling them out to about a 2 kilometer radius, and causing severe damage to weapons and sensors out to 4+ kilometers.⁸¹

The missile is believed to be able to receive guidance updates from Ka-25 Hormone or Ka-27 Helix-B shipborne anti-submarine helicopters. In 1991, 200 missiles were thought to be in service aboard 14 Sovremenny destroyers and 18 Tarantul III missile corvettes.⁸² As with the rest of the Russian naval nuclear weapons, the SS-N-22 nuclear versions have been removed from the fleet and are in centralized storage.

SS-N-15 Starfish ASW

• Year Deployed: 1973⁸³
• Dimensions: 6.5 meters length, .53 meters width
• Weight: 1,800 kilograms
• Propulsion: Solid propellent
• Range: 45-50 kilometers⁸⁴
• Guidance: Inertial
• Yield: About 200 kilotons
• Locations: All tactical weapons stored in less than 100 storage sites
• Number Deployed: Unknown, ~500 total ASW nuclear weapons of all types
• Primary Contractor: Unknown

The SS-N-15 Starfish is a rocket-propelled nuclear depth bomb reportedly copied from the U.S. SUBROC system design. It can be fired from Russian 53 or 60 centimeter torpedo tubes. Until recently, the SS-N-15 was carried by Typhoon, Charlie I/II, Oscar I, Victor I/II, Alfa, Sierra, Mike, and Akula class submarines. It was estimated that four anti-submarine nuclear standoff weapons (either SS-N-15 or SS-N-16) were allocated to each vessel.⁸⁵

In fact, the SS-N-15 and SS-N-16 -- the former a nuclear depth charge and the latter a nuclear-tipped torpedo -- were considered complementary weapon systems, and both types were jointly assigned to Russian submarines. The weapon is fired from a torpedo tube, then a rocket booster ignites, clearing the surface and transiting to the target's vicinity. The Starfish releases a 200 kiloton nuclear depth charge (the yield is disputed, see in the specifications), which detonates at the optimum depth, likely destroying submarines in a 5-10 kilometer radius. Some 400-600 SS-N-15 and SS-N-16 ASW weapons were believed built, all their nuclear warheads are in storage.⁸⁶

SS-N-16 Stallion ASW (Vodopod)

• Year Deployed: 1979-1981
• Dimensions: 6.7 meters length, .53 meters body diameter
• Weight: 1,850 kilograms
• Propulsion: Solid fuel
• Maximum Speed: Unknown
• Range: 50 kilometers
• Guidance: Inertial
• Yield: Unknown (conventional version has 100 kilogram payload)
• Locations: All tactical weapons stored in less than 100 storage sites
• Number Deployed: Unknown, ~500 total ASW nuclear weapons of all types
• Primary Contractor: Unknown

Very little is known about the SS-N-16 Stallion. It is a short-range, submarine-launched weapon, very similar to the U.S. ASROC, and also similar to the Russian SS-N-15 Starfish, of which it is an evolutionary improvement. It differs from the SS-N-15 in that after launch and flight, it releases a torpedo instead of a depth charge. The missile is launched via a 66 centimeter torpedo tube, broaches the surface, and uses its solid-fuel booster to fly to the suspected location of the enemy submarine. It then jettisons the booster and the torpedo deploys a parachute, dropping into the sea and seeking its target with a preprogrammed search pattern.⁸⁷

The Type 45 lightweight torpedo (E45-75A) itself has a range of 15 kilometers at 30 knots speed. It has both active and passive sonar. The torpedo has either a 100 kilogram high explosive warhead (termed the Veder by the Russians), or a nuclear warhead of unknown yield (referred to as the Vodopod). The SS-N-16 is carried aboard the Typhoon, Oscar I/II, Victor III, Sierra I/II, and Akula class submarines -- unlike the SS-N-15, it can only be fired by the larger 65 centimeter torpedo tube, limiting the submarines which can carry it. . The standard estimate is that each such submarine was allocated four anti-submarine nuclear weapons -- a mixture of SS-N-15s or SS-N-16s. 400-600 of both types of missiles were believed produced, though all nuclear warheads have been removed.⁸⁸

Torpedoes (Type 53-68 HWT / Type 65 HWT)

• Year Deployed: Type 53-68 HWT - 1970 / Type 65 HWT - 1970
• Dimensions: Type 53-68 - 7.8 meters length, Type 65 - 11 meters length⁸⁹
• Weight: Type 53-68 - Unknown, Type 65 - 4,750 kilograms
• Maximum Speed: Type 53-68 - 55 knots, Type 65 - 35 knots
• Range: Type 53-68 HWT - 24 kilometers / Type 65 HWT- 50 kilometers
• Yield: 20 kilotons (in conventional version, Type 53-68 - 400 kilograms, Type 65 - 557 kilograms)
• Locations: All tactical weapons stored in less than 100 storage sites
• Number Deployed: Unknown, ~500 total ASW nuclear weapons of all types
• Primary Contractor: Type 53-68 - Unknown, Type 65 - Gidropibor

Nuclear-warhead tipped torpedoes were the first Russian naval nuclear weapons, deployed in 1958. Soviet submarines routinely carried nuclear torpedoes, as evidenced by two accidents; one in December 1972 was caused by a radiation leak from such a torpedo, while another incident off Sweden in October 1981 saw traces of Uranium-238 detected, pointing towards the presence of nuclear weapons by the Whisky attack sub.⁹⁰

Compared to Western torpedoes, former-Soviet heavyweight torpedoes (HWT), such as those that carry nuclear weapons, are extremely conservative in design. Information is still vague on most older torpedoes, though information is becoming available about the newer (nonnuclear) ones, as the Russians try to export them.

The versions that were recently in use (and are now in storage) are the Type 53-68 HWT, usable from all 533 millimeter torpedo tubes, and the Type 65 HWT, usable from all 650 millimeter tubes. There were an estimated 575 total nuclear torpedo warheads in 1988.⁹¹

Depth Charges

• Year Deployed: Unknown
• Dimensions: Unknown
• Weight: Unknown
• Yield: Unknown
• Locations: All tactical weapons stored in less than 100 storage sites
• Number Deployed: Unknown, ~400 weapons
• Primary Contractor: Unknown

The depth charge is the oldest anti-submarine warfare weapon, dating from World War I, and is still in use by the Russians. They are generally depth fused and launched from surface ships with RBU depth charge mortars (using compressed air). However, with nuclear depth charges, a longer-range delivery means is necessary to get the weapon farther from the launching vessel. The SS-N-15 is such a means, essentially a rocket with a depth charge attached. The other primary "standoff" means of delivery for nuclear depth charges are Bear F, Mail, and May maritime/anti-submarine aircraft, and Helix A and Hormone A antisubmarine helicopters. Russia's stockpile of nuclear depth charges is estimated at 400.⁹²

Like "generic" Russian nuclear bombs, little is known of "generic" Russian depth charges, save that they are "known to exist, no details available."⁹³ With more sophisticated types of nuclear anti-submarine weapons available, the nuclear depth charge is a likely candidate for elimination, although there has been no concrete indication that this will take place.

PRINCIPAL SOURCES:

Aerospace Daily, Arms Control Today, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Carnegie and MIIS, Nuclear Successor States of the Soviet Union, Cochran, Arkin, Norris, Sandis, Nuclear Weapons Databook IV: Soviet Nuclear Weapons, CBO, Implementing START II, CBO, The START Treaty and Beyond, DoD Nuclear Posture Review, GAO, The U.S. Nuclear Triad, DoD Soviet Military Power, IISS Military Balance, Jane's Fighting Ships, Jane's All the World's Aircraft, Jane's Naval Weapon Systems, Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems, Polmar and Laur, Strategic Air Command, Official Text of the START II Treaty, SIPRI Yearbook.

FOOTNOTES:

^{1 "}SS-18 'Satan,'" Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems. (United Kingdom, Jane's Information Group, 1990).

^{2 "}SS-18 'Satan,'" Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

³ SS-19 payload listed as 3,600 kilograms in Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Monterey Institute of International Studies, Nuclear Successor States of the Soviet Union, No. 4 May 1996 (Washington, DC: Monterey Institute of International Studies and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, May 1996), p. 12.

⁴ START II Official Text, Treaty Between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, Article III.

⁵ Thomas Cochran, William Arkin, Robert Norris, Jeffrey Sands, Nuclear Weapons Databook Volume IV: Soviet Nuclear Weapons (New York: Harper & Row Publishers - National Resources Defense Council, 1989), p. 129.

⁶ For instance, see discussion on superhard silos in Barbara Levi, Mark Sakitt, and Art Hobson, The Future of Land-Based Strategic Nuclear Missiles (New York: American Institute of Physics, 1989).

⁷ Payload is listed as 3,200 kilograms in Carnegie and MIIS, Nuclear Successor States, p. 13.

⁸ Steven Zaloga, "Molodets: Symbol of the Soviet Swan Song," Jane's Intelligence Review (August 1996), p. 349.

⁹ Payload is listed as 600-1,200 kilograms in Carnegie and MIIS, Nuclear Successor States, p. 13.

¹⁰ SS-25 yield listed as 550 kilotons rather than 750 in "SS-25 'Sickle,'"Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems and Cochran, Arkin, Norris, and Sands, Soviet Nuclear Weapons, p. 134.

¹¹ START II Official Text, Article II.

¹² "SS-18 'Satan,'" Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

¹³ Cochran, Arkin, Norris, and Sandis, Soviet Nuclear Weapons, p. 134.

¹⁴ Carnegie and MIIS, Nuclear Successor States, p. 13.

¹⁵ "Belarus President Seen as Would-Be Dictator." Russia Today (November 18, 1996).

¹⁶ Stockholm Peace Research Institute, SIPRI Yearbook, 1995 (London; SIPRI - Oxford University Press, 1995), p. 643.

¹⁷ Total fleet also mentioned at 25 SSBNs (which would include 13 Delta IIIs) in Jane's Fighting Ships, 1996-7, p. 545.

¹⁸ Jane's Fighting Ships, 1996-7, p. 545.

¹⁹ Greenpeace, "Selected Accidents Involving Nuclear Weapons 1950-93," (Greenpeace web page, March 1996) http://www.greenpeace.org/~comms/nukes/ctbt/read3.html.

²⁰ Stephen Meyer, "Soviet Nuclear Operations" Managing Nuclear Operations (Washington, DC: The Brookings Institution, 1987), p. 494.

²¹ William Arkin and Robert Norris, "Nuclear Notebook," Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, (November 1993), p. 56.

²² Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook," Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (March/April 1996), p. 63.

²³ Jane's Fighting Ships, 1996-7 (London: Jane's Information Group, 1996), p. 545.

²⁴ Payload listed as 800-1,300 kilograms in Carnegie and MIIS, Nuclear Successor States, p. 16.

²⁵ SS-N-18 'Stingray,' Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

²⁶ SS-N-20 payload listed as >1,300 kilograms in Carnegie and MIIS, Nuclear Successor States, p. 16.

²⁷ Jane's Fighting Ships, 1996-7, p. 545.

²⁸ Payload listed as >1,300 kilograms in Carnegie and MIIS, Nuclear Successor States, p. 16.

²⁹ The SS-N-23's CEP is listed as 500 meters in "SS-N-23 'Skiff,'" Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

³⁰ "SS-N-23 'Skiff,'" Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

³¹ Tu-96H unrefueled radius of action is listed as 5,690 kilometers in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, (London: Oxford University Press, 1995), p 292.

^{32 "}AS-15 'Kent,'"Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

³³ Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (September 1995), p. 63.

³⁴ Blackjack's maximum speed is listed as almost Mach 1.8 in Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 1996-7 (London: Jane's Information Group, 1996), p, 327.

³⁵ Blackjack's unrefueled radius of action is listed as 7,300 kilometers in both IISS, Military Balance 1995-6, p. 292 and Carnegie and MIIS, Nuclear Successor States, p. 14.

³⁶ "Russia Set to Buy Back Ex-Soviet Bombers," Jane's Defence Weekly, 18 March 1995, and Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (September/October, 1995), p. 61.

³⁷ Blackjack problems cited in Bulletin of Atomic Scientists (July 1990), p. 48.

³⁸  AS-15 Kent ALCM range listed as 1,600 kilometers, not 3,000 in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 292.

³⁹ "AS-15 'Kent,'"Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems lists the CEP of the AS-15 Kent ALCM as 150 meters rather than 46.

⁴⁰ "AS-15 'Kent,'"Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

⁴¹ Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (September/October 1996), p. 62.

⁴² Department of Defense, Military Forces in Transition (1991), p. 35 and "AS-19 'Koala,'" Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems, and listed as believed canceled in Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists(July/August 1993), p. 57.

⁴³ The AS-16 Kickback SRAM is listed as first deployed in1989, not 1988, in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p 292.

^{44 "}AS-16 'Kickback,'" Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

⁴⁵ Nuclear Successor States lists SH-11s as being in the "Moscow oblast." The more complete list of the eight bases is in "SH-01 'Galosh' and SH-11 'Gorgon' (UR-96)," Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

⁴⁶ "SH-01 'Galosh' and SH-11 'Gorgon' (UR-96)," Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

⁴⁷ Department of Defense, Soviet Military Power 1990, p. 57.

⁴⁸ SH-11 range is listed as 320 kilometers in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 290.

⁴⁹ SH-08 yield not listed in Military Balance, but given as 1 megaton in "SH-08 'Gazelle;" Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

⁵⁰ "SH-08 'Gazelle,'" Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

⁵¹ Cochran, Arkin, Norris, and Sandis, Soviet Nuclear Weapons, p. 113.

⁵² Samuel Glasstone and Philip Dolan, The Effects of Nuclear Weapons (Washington: U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Energy, 1977), p. 519.

⁵³ SA-5B listed as deployed in 1967 in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 290. This may refer to the nuclear version's debut.

^]54 Range stated as 300 kilometers as opposed to 150 in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 290.

⁵⁵ "SA-5 'Gammon' (S-200 Volga)," Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

⁵⁶ "SA-5 'Gammon' (S-200 Volga)," Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

⁵⁷ Soviet Military Power 1986, p. 60.

⁵⁸ Cochran, Arkin, Norris, and Sandis, Soviet Nuclear Weapons, p. 118.

⁵⁹ Vladimir Belous, "Tactical Nuclear Weapons in the New Geopolitical Situation," Yaderny Kontrol (English Digest of the Russian Nonproliferation Journal) Spring 1996, p. 11.

⁶⁰ SA-10 range listed as 100 kilometers in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 290.

⁶¹ "SA-10 'Grumble' (S-300 Volga)," Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

⁶² IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 290.

⁶³ AS-4 listed as deployed in 1962 in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 292.

⁶⁴ IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 292.

⁶⁵ AS-4 range listed as 300 kilometers in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 293.

⁶⁶ AS-4 listed with significantly less than 1 megaton yield, with 350 kilotons, in "AS-4 'Kitchen,'" Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

⁶⁷ "AS-4 'Kitchen,'" Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

⁶⁸ Jeffery Sands, Robert Norris, and Thomas Cochran, Known Soviet Nuclear Explosions, 1949-1985 (Nuclear Weapons Databook Project Working Paper) (Washington, DC: Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 1995).

⁶⁹ SS-N-9 range listed as 100 kilometers in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 291.

⁷⁰ "SS-N-9 'Siren,'" Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

⁷¹ "SS-N-7 'Starbright' (Ametist)/SS-N-9 'Siren' (Malachit)," Janes' Naval Weapon Systems (United Kingdom, Jane's Information Group, 1994).

⁷² SS-N-12 initial deployment listed as 1973 in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 291.

⁷³ "SS-N-12 'Sandbox,'" Jane's Naval Weapon Systems.

⁷⁴ "SS-N-19 'Shipwreck,'" Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

⁷⁵ "SS-N-19 'Shipwreck,'" Jane's Naval Weapon Systems.

⁷⁶ Cochran, Arkin, Norris, and Sandis, Soviet Nuclear Weapons, p. 180.

⁷⁷ Jane's Fighting Ships, 1996-7, p. 545.

⁷⁸ SS-N-22 listed as operational in 1981 in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 291.

⁷⁹ Range of the SS-N-22 listed as 400 kilometers in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 291.

⁸⁰ "SS-N-22 'Sunburn,'" Jane's Naval Weapon Systems.

⁸¹ James Dunnigan, How to Make War: A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Warfare (New York: William Morrow, 1988), p. 412.

⁸² "SS-N-22 'Sunburn,'" Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

⁸³ Deployment of SS-N-15 listed as 1982 in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 291.

⁸⁴ SS-N-22 range listed as 37 kilometers in Cochran, Arkin, Norris, and Sands, Soviet Nuclear Weapons, p. 274. IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p.291 quotes 45 kilometers.

⁸⁵ Cochran, Arkin, Norris, and Sandis, Soviet Nuclear Weapons, p. 274.

⁸⁶ "SS-N-22 'Sunburn,'" Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

⁸⁷ Cochran, Arkin, Norris, and Sandis, Soviet Nuclear Weapons, p. 275.

⁸⁸ Ranges listed in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 291.

⁸⁹ The Type 53-68 specifications are assumed the same as the Type 53-65, of which it is a straight-running nuclear derivative, "Type 53/SAET/SET (Test-71/Test-96) Heavyweight Torpedoes," Janes' Naval Weapon Systems.

⁹⁰ Joshua Handler and William Arkin, Nuclear Warships and Naval Nuclear Weapons: A Complete Inventory, Neptune Papers, No. 2 (Washington, DC: Greenpeace and Institute for Policy Stdies, 1988), p. 9.

⁹¹ Cochran, Arkin, Norris, and Sandis, Soviet Nuclear Weapons, p. 39.

⁹² Handler and Arkin, Nuclear Warships, p. 9.

⁹³ IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 292.

Compiled by Ted Flaherty
19 November 1996
updated 16 November 1998