Does the US program of Conventional Prompt Global Strike threaten Russian national security?

• Main Author: E. Zvedre
• Format: Article
• Language: Russian
• Published: MGIMO University Press 2016-03-01
• Series: Международная аналитика
• Subjects: conventional prompt global strike (cpgs); post cold war international security; intercontinental ballistic missiles; sea-launched ballistic missiles; hypersonic boost-glide weapons; threat to russian nuclear potential; maintaining strategic balance
• Online Access: https://www.interanalytics.org/jour/article/view/111

The article analyses a concept of Conventional Prompt Global Strike aimed at developing weapons systems that can deliver a conventional warhead anywhere in the world within an hour as a prioritized part of the US military strategy. The Pentagon planners believe that deployment of CPGS weapon would allow a selective and far more effective response to post-cold war threats, such as international terrorist networks, “rogue states” and other adversaries, thus drastically reducing reliance on nuclear deterrent in a number of situations. Over the years the Pentagon’s R&D activities in this area encompassed numerous established and emerging weapon technologies, including use of surface-launched and sea-launched strategic missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles. The CPGS program is raising serious concerns in Moscow, where Russian officials consider it as a threat to Russia’s strategic nuclear arsenals and national security interests alongside with the US plans to develop and deploy global ballistic missile defense capabilities and attack weapons in space. Moscow predicts it could undermine strategic balance and trigger a nonnuclear arms race.