The recent strategic redeployment of Russia’s nuclear-capable Iskander-M missile systems to the Finnish border marks a considerable escalation in the Kremlin’s military posture. This move comes in response to Finland’s accession to NATO, which Russia views as a direct challenge to its security.
Russian state media, particularly the Kremlin-affiliated Izvestia newspaper, has highlighted the formation of a new missile brigade within the Leningrad Military District, now bolstered by the Iskander-M systems. These missiles, notorious for their dual conventional and nuclear capabilities, have been stationed in the Republic of Karelia, directly abutting Finland, a nation with an extensive 832-mile border with Russia.
Former Baltic Fleet commander Admiral Vladimir Valuev described the relocation as a “timely and adequate response” to Finland joining NATO, a move that was catalyzed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia’s military historian Dmitry Boltenkov ominously suggested that “Now we need to keep an eye on the Finns,” implying a heightened level of vigilance towards the new NATO member.
The Iskander-M ballistic missiles, now a stone’s throw from Finland, can deliver a range of warheads, from cluster munitions to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) devices, and can be equipped with nuclear payloads weighing between 500kg and 700kg. Their capacity to target European missile defense systems has been previously signposted by Moscow.
In a broader context of regional security concerns, Poland’s President Andrzej Duda recently expressed readiness to host NATO allies’ nuclear weapons, signaling a unified front in the face of what is perceived as Russia’s nuclear intimidation. These developments coincide with Russia’s critical view of upcoming NATO exercises near the Finnish border, which Maria Zakharova, a Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, labeled as “provocative” and a demonstration of force against Russia.
However, Dr. Kristian Gustafson from Brunel University offers a divergent analysis, suggesting that the movement of Iskander missiles to the Finnish frontier “changes no strategic calculation” since Iskanders have been long stationed in Kaliningrad. Dr. Gustafson opines that while it might “slightly” alter operational considerations in NATO’s northern sector, it does not shift the broader balance of power.
Relevant articles:
– Russia moves tactical nuclear missile systems to Finnish border, tvpworld.com, 04/24/2024
– What Is Iskander-M? Russia’s Nuclear-Capable Launchers Head for NATO Border, Newsweek, Mon, 22 Apr 2024 11:32:40 GMT
– Russia To Reinforce Finnish Border With Nuke-Capable Missiles; Poland Says Ready To Host US Nukes, EurAsian Times, Mon, 22 Apr 2024 16:07:22 GMT
– Russia ‘moves nuclear missile launchers to Finland border’, inews, Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:33:00 GMT
– Russia scrambles nuclear-capable missiles to NATO border as WW3 fears skyrocket, Express, Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:05:00 GMT