Russia has introduced a new tactical guided missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and is deploying it on its MiG and Su-series fighter jets, according to a recent report by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, as cited by The War Zone.
U.S. intelligence reports that Moscow is actively expanding its nuclear arsenal by introducing new technologies, including air-to-air missiles with nuclear capabilities and other advanced nuclear systems.
The report states that Russia currently possesses around 1,550 deployed strategic warheads and up to 2,000 non-strategic ones. At the same time, the Kremlin is reinforcing its presence in Belarus—constructing and upgrading nuclear storage facilities and training Belarusian military personnel to operate tactical nuclear weapons.
Despite this buildup, American intelligence assesses that the likelihood of Russia using nuclear weapons in the current conflict remains low. The only scenario in which this could happen would be if the Russian leadership perceived an existential threat to the regime.
According to The War Zone, the report most likely refers to a modified long-range R-37M missile. Originally developed for the MiG-31 interceptor, the R-37M has since been adapted for use with multirole fighters such as the Su-30SM, Su-35S, and Su-57. The modified version, codenamed “Izdelie 610M,” was completed in 2011, but due to complex testing and technical integration, it only entered service in 2018.
The R-37M weighs 510 kg, uses a solid-fuel engine, and can hit targets at a range of up to 200 km. However, such range is achievable only against large, low-maneuverability targets and under favorable conditions. Despite these limitations, the missile remains a highly dangerous weapon in Russia’s aerial arsenal.
There is no official confirmation that the R-37M has been equipped with a nuclear warhead. However, the fact that U.S. intelligence directly points to the presence of a new Russian nuclear air-to-air missile may indicate such a version exists. If verified, it would mark a historic development—making Russia the first country in modern history to deploy nuclear missiles on its fighter jets for potential use in air combat.
