Patrushev: Russia is ahead of its competitors in the field of nuclear missiles for the first time

For the first time in history, Russia has overtaken its competitors in the field of nuclear missile weapons. This was stated by Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Nikolai Patrushev. He stated this during a speech at the “Knowledge” society lecture at the “Russia” forum and exhibition.

“For the first time in the history of the existence of nuclear missile weapons, our country is ahead of competitors in this area, becoming the owner of unique strategic weapons, including hypersonic weapons, guaranteeing security for decades to come,” he said (quote according to RIA Novosti).

Patrushev added that the implementation of Russia’s National Security Strategy contributed to maintaining internal stability in society and building up Russia’s economic, political, military and spiritual potential.

October 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin spent training of strategic nuclear deterrent forces. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, during his report to Putin, explained that during the training they practiced tasks of delivering a massive nuclear strike in response to an enemy nuclear strike.

Russia is armed with, among other things, the Russian Kinzhal hypersonic aeroballistic missile complex; it was put on combat duty in 2017. It was first used during a special operation in Ukraine in March 2022. In August 2022, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu statedthat the Kinzhal missile was used three times in Ukraine. According to the minister, no one else has such a missile: “both hypersonic, and with such speed, and with such penetrating capabilities.”

Putin repeatedly noted, that he does not see the need to change the concept of military doctrine regarding the use of nuclear weapons. The Russian leader recalled that the document indicated two reasons for the possible use of nuclear weapons – the use of such weapons against Russia and the threat to the existence of the Russian state, even if conventional weapons are used.