As tensions rise in Europe over security concerns and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia has made a significant military move. This development follows several instances where Russian aircraft have breached the airspace of countries neighboring Ukraine, heightening regional unease.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who first announced this military project in March 2018, claims the weapon boasts an unlimited range and the capability to bypass U.S. missile defense systems. However, independent arms experts have expressed skepticism regarding Putin’s 2023 assertions that the weapon has been “successfully tested.”

While the weapon introduces a novel capability, experts suggest it doesn’t present unique defensive challenges beyond those posed by conventional cruise missiles. The key difference lies in the potential for it to originate from unexpected directions.

Russia is reportedly enhancing its military presence on the Kola Peninsula, home to one of the world’s largest nuclear arsenals. These nuclear weapons are not only aimed at Norway but also target the United Kingdom and potentially across the pole toward Canada and the United States, according to Sandvik’s comments published in the UK’s Daily Telegraph.

Russia is ‘building up’

“Russia is building up on the Kola Peninsula … where one of the largest arsenals of nuclear warheads in the world is located. They [the nuclear weapons] are not only pointed towards Norway, but towards the UK and over the pole towards Canada and the US,” Sandvik told the UK’s Daily Telegraph newspaper on Friday.

Source: SBS News / SBS

Sandvik said officials have witnessed the testing of hypersonic missiles and nuclear-driven torpedoes in the region.

Even though Russia is not able to win in Ukraine, the threat of nuclear warheads and second-strike capacity from up here [Kola Peninsula] makes them a superpower still, Sandvik added.

Would Russia use this missile?

Professor Maria Rost Rublee, an international relations expert from the University of Melbourne, told SBS News there is a “long-standing taboo” against using nuclear weapons on civilian areas.

“I doubt he would use it on the battlefield. I think he’d rather potentially launch one into the ocean or into a sea or use it in a way to send a message.”

‘You better take us seriously’

“It’s a warning to the West and the US over the talks over Ukraine and shows that its potential arsenal is presumably successfully tested and operationally ready.”

European neighbours worried about war

Other countries, such as Estonia, have closed parts of their airspace to prevent incursions, Molloy added.

Doubts on reliability

“Given this success rate, it really raises doubts on the reliability of this new missile,” she said.

She said this could create unintended targets, should a missile explode mid-flight, and drop radiation on a third party by mistake.

Risks of accidents and calls for safeguards

A study conducted by Professor Emily Crawford from the University of Sydney Law School in June warned urgent action is needed to address the growing risks posed by nuclear weapons.