Russia’s New Generation Atomic Bomb

Putin made the announcement to the Russian Interfax and ITAR-Tass news agencies saying that at a meeting with General Staff officials, he announced that it would "come out soon."

While Putin’s announcement has not been officially approved, some observers say these kinds of exaggerated reports tend to be for the tribune.

The news leak to the press contained a statement by Putin that said: "Other great nuclear power states (US, France and China) cannot have this new weapon. As soon as we ignore the basic components like a nuclear armature in our defense, other threats might occur. "

Military observers commenting on secret plans note that the new weapon might be of the "cruise" variety, which is faster than sound or a "maneuverable ballistic rocket" which can carry atomic weapon heads. Putin has said on many occasions in the past that Russia weakened after the fall of the Soviet Socialist Republic Union (SSCB) and that it would renew its weapon force.

The Russian leader’s statement also implies there may be a "decisive message" related to the national policy at a meeting with US President George W. Bush during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit meeting this weekend. Independent military observer Pavel Felgenhauer commented: "Putin’s statement is a kind of demonstration as well as a strategy."

The US, meanwhile, reports that they are not worried about Russia’s new nuclear rocket system. Defense Department Spokesperson Adam Ereli said that they did not perceive Moscow’s facilities as a threat. Ereli also mentioned that Russia’s work on new nuclear power does not violate Moscow Conventions between the two countries.