Russia is looking to redevelop "nuclear trains" of the kind that was used during the days of the erstwhile Soviet Union. These nuclear trains come loaded with intercontinental missiles that are hidden in carriages.
These nuclear trains called "Barguzin" are reminiscent of the Cold War era RT-23 Molodets that was in operation within the Soviet Union.
However, the new Barguzin trains are reported to be able to carry up to six Yars or Yars-M thermonuclear ballistic missiles and launchers, Military sources told Russian news agencies.
While reviving such trains, Russia will be adding new elements that will take into consideration several new developments. Once operational, the roof of the train needs to open and the missile will have to be vertically raised, before launching from the train to its target.
Russia has been testing the new missile systems since two years and early testing has produced some success.
The Barguzin systems are expected to far exceed its predecessor in terms of accuracy, range and missiles. It could be in service until 2040. It will be able to position itself into firing position within minutes and will also be equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems and a sophisticated stealth technology, Sputnik reported.
Russia blames NATO for the rise in tensions between it and Eastern Europe. NATO has been conducting joint exercises with several former Soviet Union blocks and countries following Russia's takeover of Crimea. Russia detests any Western influence in its area of dominance.
Recently, Russia revealed that it has moved some of its nuclear-capable Iskander systems and S-400 missile system to Kaliningrad, a Russian enclave in Eastern Europe. This, Russia said, was its answer to NATO's European Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system deployed in Romania and Poland.
