Russia Announces Exercise on Preparation and Use of Nuclear Forces

Russia’s Ministry of Defence will conduct an exercise on May 19–21 focused on the preparation and use of nuclear forces under conditions of a threat of aggression. The Russian ministry’s statement also mentions drills involving weapons deployed in Belarus.

“During the exercise, issues related to the joint preparation and use of nuclear weapons deployed on the territory of the Republic of Belarus will be practised.”

As a reminder, yesterday Belarus’ Ministry of Defence announced the start of a training exercise on the combat use of nuclear weapons. It was reported that, in coordination with the Russian side, issues concerning the delivery of nuclear munitions and their preparation for use would be practised.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence said that the exercise beginning today will involve more than 7,800 units of weapons, military and special equipment, including more than 200 missile launch systems, more than 140 aircraft, 73 surface vessels and 13 submarines, including eight missile submarines. The exercise will involve the Strategic Missile Forces, the Northern and Pacific fleets, long-range aviation command, and part of the forces of the Leningrad and Central military districts — more than 64,000 personnel in total.

“During the practical phase of troop operations, measures are planned to bring a number of nuclear force formations and military units to readiness for carrying out assigned tasks and to ensure their comprehensive support, as well as to conduct launches of ballistic and cruise missiles at test ranges on the territory of the Russian Federation,” the Russian ministry said.

The stated objectives of the exercise are to improve the skills of command and operational personnel and to enhance command and control of subordinate troops during the preparation and implementation of deterrence measures against a potential adversary.