US intelligence: Russia expanding nuclear capabilities, deploying tactical arms in Belarus Photo

Russia is continuing to expand its nuclear forces by introducing new systems, including air-to-air nuclear missiles and other novel capabilities, according to a new assessment from the U.S. Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

In testimony presented to the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, the DIA said Russia likely maintains around 1,550 deployed strategic warheads, along with up to 2,000 non-strategic warheads, Caliber.Az reports.

The agency also highlighted Moscow’s efforts to bolster its nuclear posture in Belarus. These include deploying missile and nuclear-capable aircraft, refurbishing a nuclear weapons storage facility, and training Belarusian crews to operate tactical nuclear arms.

“Russia is expanding its nuclear posture to Belarus,” the statement said, adding that such moves appear aimed at reinforcing deterrence and signalling resolve amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Since the start of its full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia has repeatedly used nuclear rhetoric and staged military exercises, actions seen by U.S. officials as intended to dissuade deeper Western involvement in the conflict.

However, the DIA assesses that the likelihood of Russia using nuclear weapons in Ukraine remains low unless the Kremlin perceives an existential threat to the regime.

Beyond nuclear developments, the agency said Russia is “probably” expanding its chemical and biological weapons programmes. It cited previous use of fourth-generation nerve agents in targeted assassinations in 2018 and 2020, as well as pharmaceutical-based agents in operations in 2002 and 2005.

In Ukraine, Russian forces have employed riot-control agents and chloropicrin on the battlefield, but the DIA believes Moscow has “almost certainly” refrained from using its more advanced nerve agents in the current conflict.

By Aghakazim Guliyev