Russia begins this Tuesday (19) three days of nuclear exercises that will include the launch of ballistic and cruise missiles, the Ministry of Defense reported.
The exercises, which involve 64,000 people and 7,800 pieces of military equipment, will simulate “the preparation and use of nuclear forces in the event of aggression.”
Russian missile forces, the Northern and Pacific fleets, long-range aviation and units from the Leningrad and Central military regions will participate, according to the ministry.
More than 200 missile launchers, 140 aircraft, 73 surface ships and 13 submarines, eight of which are strategic nuclear, will be involved.
The exercises will also include training on how to use Russian tactical nuclear weapons deployed in Belarus, the ministry said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week that Moscow will continue to develop missile systems that he says will be capable of surpassing all current and future defense systems, according to state news agencies.
Putin announced that Russia will be ready to deploy its new Sarmat missile – designed to carry nuclear warheads and hit targets thousands of kilometers away in the United States or Europe – by the end of this year.
