Russia Begins Three Days of Nuclear Drills

Russia begins three days of nuclear drills on Tuesday, including ballistic and cruise missile launches, the Defense Ministry said.

The exercises will involve 64,000 personnel and 7,800 pieces of military equipment and are intended to rehearse “the preparation and use of nuclear forces in the event of aggression”.

Russian rocket forces, the Northern and Pacific fleets, long-range aviation and units from the Leningrad and Central military districts will take part, the ministry said.

More than 200 missile launchers, 140 aircraft, 73 surface ships and 13 submarines, including eight strategic nuclear submarines, will be involved.

The drills will also include training in the use of Russian tactical nuclear weapons deployed in Belarus, the ministry said.

(reuters, max)