Russia deploys cruise missiles in western Atlantic

Russia announced recently that it plans to use vessels equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles for patrols in the western Atlantic Ocean. The use of these missiles are expected to be a new form of strategic deterrence which Russia hopes will restore the strategic balance with the United States.

During the Cold War, strategic patrols were conducted by submarines equipped with ballistic missiles. The use of such vessels was obvious as only SSBN submarines were able to mount a credible deterrent by striking the adversary from an unexpected location with as little warning as possible. The decline of the Russian navy in recent decades has greatly reduced Russia's ability to mount these patrols and create a credible deterrence against the United States.

By using Kalibr class cruise missiles, Russia hopes to restore this balance.  These missiles are a more potent deterrent against the United States as it is more difficult to intercept compared to ballistic missiles. The missile is designed to reach high speeds at very low altitude, effectively evading radar detection for as long as possible. The low altitude allows the missile to fly under the radar and hide its signature for as long as possible in the clutter generated by radar waves bouncing off sea and land. The long range of the Kalibr missile also allows it to take long detours in order to evade detection and counter measure systems, effectively striking the target from an undefended or lightly defended direction. Ballistic missiles by contrast can be easily detected from the moment they are launched and allow for a longer response time in order to deploy counter measures.

The long range also increases the area which the US needs to monitor
The Kalibr missile has been used several times during the Syrian conflict and has proven to be reliable cruise missile. The missile was however always used with a conventional warhead during this conflict. Russian subs and surface vessels are expected to use the nuclear variant in order to mount a nuclear deterrent. It is unknown if the nuclear warhead will have a significant effect upon the flight characteristics of the missile.

By using the Kalibr cruise missile, Russia also increase the amount of vessels that can be used for strategic patrols. The missile can be fired from surface ships as well as submarines. The task of conducted a strategic nuclear deterrent against the United States is thus no longer restricted through the use of SSBN submarines but can also be done by SSN attack submarines such as the new Severodvinsk class submarines, as well as the missile guided submarines of the Oscar II SSGN class.

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