Russia is expanding its ballistic missile arsenal with advanced strategic systems and plans to conduct maximum-range test launches in response to increasing external threats, a senior military official stated on Monday (Dec 16).

Sergei Karakayev, commander of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces, emphasized that Russia is prepared to act if its security is at risk. Speaking to the Russian defense ministry’s newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda, Karakayev said, “There is no place our missiles cannot reach,” as cited by RIA state news agency.

Karakayev revealed that Russia may intensify testing of its advanced missile systems if external threats escalate. Publicly confirming for the first time the development of a new intercontinental ballistic missile system called Osina, he highlighted its prioritization for deployment alongside other new missile technologies.

He also mentioned the nearing completion of systems similar to Russia’s intermediate-range hypersonic missile, Oreshnik, which President Vladimir Putin announced would soon enter mass production. In November, Russia used the Oreshnik missile in Ukraine in response to US and British-supplied weapons being used against Russia.

With the New START nuclear arms treaty set to expire in 2026, Karakayev indicated that Russia's next state armament programme would factor in the US’s strategic weapons development. He did not rule out the possibility of increasing warheads on deployed missiles in response to US actions. Karakayev reiterated that Moscow and Washington continue to notify each other 24 hours in advance of intercontinental and submarine-launched ballistic missile tests.

He further emphasized that Russia’s missile divisions equipped with mobile launch systems remain critical for their survivability and ability to deliver devastating retaliatory strikes, particularly in the face of US missile defense system deployments. Karakayev concluded that Russia’s strategic missile forces remain adaptable and mobile, ensuring their effectiveness in deterring potential threats.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters