The Kremlin's nuclear sword : the rise and fall of Russia's strategic nuclear forces, 1945-2000

The prevailing Western view of Russia’s Cold War strategic nuclear weapons policy is that it resulted from a two-part interplay between the leaders of the Communist Party and the military. Steven J. Zaloga has found that a third contributor—the Russian defense industry—also played a vital role. Drawing from elusive Russian source material and interviews with many proud Russian and Ukrainian engineers, Zaloga presents a definitive account of Russia’s strategic forces, who built them, and why. The book is the first in English to refer to the weapons by their actual Soviet names, providing the bedrock for future works. Helpful appendices list U.S., NATO, and other designations, and the illustrations provide clear visual references. The Kremlin's Nuclear Sword Examines How The Soviet Aerospace Industry Shaped Many Of The Key Defense Decisions During The Cold War. Drawing From Elusive Russian Source Material And Interviews With Many Russian And Ukrainian Engineers, Steven J. Zaloga Presents A Definitive Account Of Russia's Strategic Forces, Who Built Them, And Why.--book Jacket. Ch. 1. Revolution In Military Affairs: 1946-1953 -- Ch. 2. Bomber Vs. Missile: 1953-1959 -- Ch. 3. Deploying The First Generation: 1960-1965 -- Ch. 4. The Race For Parity: 1965-1973 -- Ch. 5. Beyond Parity: 1973-1985 -- Ch. 6. To The Brink Of Collapse: 1985-1991 -- Ch. 7. Soviet Becomes Russian: 1991-2000 -- App. 1. Missile Technical Data -- App. 2. Soviet Strategic Forces, 1960-present -- App. 3. Guide To Soviet And Western Designations. Steven J. Zaloga. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.