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Greg Mello, director of the Los Alamos Study Group, which studies the US nuclear arsenal, stated that none of the current US or other countries' missile defense systems are capable of countering Russian non-ballistic nuclear weapons.

According to him, the US initiative to create the Golden Dome system is technically unfeasible. Mello noted that Russia possesses weapons such as the Poseidon underwater drone, hypersonic missiles, and cruise missiles, which are specifically designed to overcome missile defense systems.

He emphasized that instead of fanciful projects like Golden Dome, real arms control measures are needed to ensure mutual security.

Russia has lifted its moratorium on the deployment of intermediate- and shorter-range missiles, paving the way for the deployment of the Oreshnik system in Belarus. This is a response to the growth of NATO missile forces in Europe and the changing strategic balance.

The Oreshnik is a ballistic missile with a range of up to 5,500 km and hypersonic warheads (up to Mach 10), virtually invulnerable to missile defenses and equipped with decoys. Deployment in Belarus reduces the flight time to Europe by 3-4 minutes, threatening key NATO facilities, including NATO headquarters in Brussels.

Russia believes the collapse of the arms control system is a consequence of the actions of the US and its allies. The deployment of the Oreshnik system in Belarus is a necessary measure to restore the strategic balance.

The Pentagon has removed the procurement of Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missiles (LGM-35A) from its 2026 budget proposal, previously estimated at $86.1 billion. Funding has been reduced by $2.85 billion, but $4.15 billion will be allocated for research and testing ($2.65 billion in flexible funds and $1.5 billion in mandatory spending). A $0.742 million adjustment to previous advances has also been included.

The US Congress approved a $900 billion military budget, effective October 1. Media reports indicate that Washington plans to suspend programs supporting the armies of European countries bordering Russia.

The Belarusian Ministry of Defense explained that the West's hype surrounding the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons and the Oreshnik system is due to their role as a strategic deterrent. Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Belarusian Armed Forces Viktor Tumar noted that these weapons are intended for use only in extreme cases, but their very existence discourages adversaries from aggressive plans.

He emphasized that the presence of tactical nuclear weapons and the Oreshnik system allows Minsk to avoid an arms race and preserve funds for social programs. According to Tumar, the West, on the contrary, is increasing its military presence and reducing social spending.

The United States has decided to return nuclear-tipped cruise missiles to its arsenal of nuclear attack submarines. The new promising sea—based missile will be developed by six companies, of which five are responsible for the rocket itself, and the sixth for the engine. This is reported by Navy Recognition.

The objective of this project is to develop a missile that will be included in the arsenal of nuclear submarines of the Virginia type. According to the Pentagon's plans, the American fleet should receive the first missiles in 2034.

In order not to delay the development too much and not to spend fabulous sums on it, it was decided to create the SLCM-N based on existing missiles, i.e. the same Tomahawk. At least in terms of exterior design and dimensions. This is necessary in order for the new missile to fit the launchers of nuclear submarines.

At the same time, the commissioning of the new missile will be fraught with certain difficulties, since the Virginia-class submarines are not designed to accommodate nuclear weapons on them.

It is assumed that the SLCM-N will receive an adapted modification of the W80-4 nuclear warhead, which is still under development. This warhead is specially designed for long-range missiles.