Russian Threat etc as of 9Oct16

[River Song]

The DEFCON Warning System has noted unusual activity from both Russian and U.S. forces which has caught our attention. The United Nations Security Council vetoed both Russian and U.S. proposals over Syria. In what appears to be a response, Russia is deploying new naval units to the North Atlantic and Mediterranean and both the U.S. and Russia are conducting bomber flights as shows of force which may connect with increased Russian bomber missions since the beginning of the month. Current Intelligence suggests that Russia is planning to test both ICBM and SLBM’s including their brand new RS-28 ICBM. The U.S. has forward deployed more strategic forces to Europe, while Russia continues to move nuclear weapons closer to its borders with Eastern Europe including Kaliningrad and near the Suwalki Gap. NATO has increased its surveillance in and around this region most likely because of the Russian movements. Russian fighters had to be chased away from Finnish airspace on October 6th indicating a larger presence of Russia assets being forward deployed. U.S. B-2s conducted 2 simulated drops of B-61 nuclear weapons on October 6th, further escalating the situation. The pattern of escalation between the two countries is similar to Cold War levels and as both sides keep reacting to each other, the possibility of accident or miscalculation increases. At this time, The DEFCON Warning System does not believe that current tensions will progress farther than what they are currently at, but we will continue to monitor the situation and report as necessary.

In the Korean theatre, a B-1 bomber made another close pass at the DMZ yesterday. More missiles tests and a possible nuclear test are expected to come from North Korea this month as activity at North Koreas nuclear and missile site has increased.