The future of the ballistic missile submarine force in the Russian nuclear triad
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Authors
Lesiw, Richard T.
Subjects
Advisors
Yost, David
Date of Issue
2008-09
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis analyzes the current status of the Russian Federation's ballistic missile submarine force. It reviews the history of the ballistic missile submarine force, its current status, and the implementation of plans currently in progress and as well as the advantages and disadvantages of maintaining a ballistic missile submarine force. This thesis also assesses the other two legs of the nuclear triad - the intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and long range bomber aircraft. The status of these two forces and their operational advantages and disadvantages are compared with those of the ballistic missile submarine force. Also examined are the financial and political factors that may affect the prospects of the ballistic missile submarine force. This includes arms control treaties that may affect the force structure. Current and prospective energy prices suggest that the economy of the Russian Federation will be able to provide long term financing for the ballistic missile submarine force and Moscow's other strategic nuclear forces. This thesis concludes that the ballistic missile submarine force is a vital part of the Russian Federation's nuclear triad and will probably be maintained over the next 15 years and beyond.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xvi, 75 p. : ill.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined
in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. As such, it is in the
public domain, and under the provisions of Title 17, United States
Code, Section 105, is not copyrighted in the U.S.