**Russia’s Secret Nuclear Air-To-Air Missile Development: A Rare Return to Cold War-Era Concepts**
In a move that has raised eyebrows in the Western military community, Russia is reportedly developing nuclear-tipped air-to-air missiles. This development marks a rare return to concepts last seen during the Cold War era, according to a recent report by the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).
The DIA’s 2025 Worldwide Threat Assessment, presented to the US House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, reveals that Russia is expanding its nuclear forces with new capabilities, including nuclear air-to-air missiles. This move has significant implications for global security, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts.
**The R-37M: A Long-Range Nuclear Air-To-Air Missile**
According to the report, the missile in question is believed to be a nuclear-capable version of the R-37M, also known as the AA-13 Axehead. This very long-range air-to-air missile has been used by Russia’s military and has seen combat in Ukraine.
The R-37M boasts impressive specs:
* Range: Up to 124 miles (200 km)
* Weight: 1,124 pounds (510 kg)
* Length: 13 feet (4 meters)
* Guidance: Dual-band active radar seeker
This missile is designed for long-range interception of high-value targets and has reportedly limited Ukrainian air operations. One former Ukrainian pilot described the situation starkly: “If you’re not aware of the launch of a missile, you’re dead.”
**Why Nuclear Air-To-Air Missiles?**
The development of nuclear-tipped missiles serves as an area-effect weapon, increasing the chances of destroying stealth aircraft, drone swarms, cruise missile salvos, or bomber formations. These weapons also serve as tactical deterrents in high-threat scenarios where fast and wide-area coverage is required.
**Strategic Context: Russia’s Nuclear Arsenal**
The DIA estimates that Russia maintains about 1,550 deployed strategic warheads and up to 2,000 non-strategic warheads. The development of nuclear air-to-air missiles would fall into the latter category. While the report notes that Russia is unlikely to use nuclear weapons in the conflict unless facing an existential threat, this development raises concerns about the potential for escalation.
**Western Response: A Lack of Counterpart**
The US has not developed a direct Western counterpart to the R-37M nuclear variant, with next-gen long-range air-to-air missiles like the AIM-260 JATM and AIM-174B (a variant of the Navy’s SM-6) being non-nuclear. This gives Russia a unique tactical capability without a direct match in the West.
The development of nuclear air-to-air missiles by Russia is a significant move, marking a return to Cold War-era concepts. The implications for global security and the potential for escalation are clear.
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