18

Russian military doctrine assigns to nuclear weapons a deterrent role which includes the possibility of limited nuclear strikes, an observation which is reinforced by recent exercises led by Russian forces. Projections made in the 1990s concerning the restructuring of strategic forces were not respected. Plans reviewed in 2000 had to be modified in 2002 after the signature of the SORT Treaty. The composition of forces must henceforth be radically reconsidered. Uncertainty remains, however, regarding Russia’s capacity to develop programs, particularly concerning service maintenance of old ICBMs, the production of new missiles or new submarines.