Why in News?
Russia offered to voluntarily maintain limits on deployed strategic nuclear weapons for a year under the New START Treaty, the last remaining U.S.-Russia arms control pact expiring in February 2026. The move comes amid rising tensions and global nuclear modernization efforts.
Description:
- Type: Bilateral nuclear arms control treaty between USA and Russia.
- Signed: April 8, 2010 (Prague)
- Entered into force: February 5, 2011
- Extended: In 2021 for 5 years (till February 2026)
- Replaced: START I (1991) and superseded SORT (2002)
Objective:
- To limit and reduce strategic offensive arms.
- To cap nuclear warheads well below Cold War levels.
- To ensure verification and transparency between the USA & Russia.
Key Provisions:
- Max 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads.
- Max 700 deployed ICBMs, SLBMs & heavy bombers.
- Max 800 total launchers (deployed + non-deployed).
- Includes on-site inspections, data exchange & verification.
Significance:
- Last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between USA & Russia.
- Reduces risk of nuclear arms race.
- Supports NPT goals (Article VI – disarmament).
- First verifiable U.S.–Russia arms treaty since START I (1994).

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