https://www.rt.com/russia/598001-russia-tactical-nuclear-drills/
21 May, 2024 15:37
Russia launches tactical nuclear drills (VIDEO)
The exercise will involve the delivery of nuclear weapons to troops, covert deployment, and preparations to a strike, the Defense Ministry has said
Source: Russian Defense Ministry
The troops of Russia’s Southern Military District launched the first stage of recently announced tactical nuclear drills on Tuesday, the Defense Ministry has said.
The exercise is designed to serve as a deterrent amid continued escalation between Russia and the West, through the demonstration of Moscow’s ability to respond to any external threats, the Ministry said earlier.
It will involve deliveries of nuclear weapons to troops from their storage sites, nuclear arming of tactical missiles, and preparations for missile launches, the ministry announced in a statement on Telegram.
The troops will be using the Iskander-M systems, which can fire 9M723-1 ballistic missiles or the 9M728 cruise missiles, both of which can carry tactical nuclear warheads with yields between five and 50 kilotons.
The Southern Military District forces are also to conduct simulated covert deployment operations using the systems, as part of launch-preparation drills, according to the military.
READ MORE: Nuclear weapons drills a response to ‘escalation’ – Kremlin
The exercise will also involve nuclear arming of the air-launched missiles, including the state-of-the-art, hypersonic Kinzhal. The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles and the Kh-32 cruise missiles that are delivered by Russian bombers are capable of carrying warheads similar to those mounted on Iskander projectiles. During the drills, Russian aircraft are to fly on patrol missions armed with these missiles, according to the ministry.
A video published by the military shows crews of several Iskander-M systems arming them with missiles and preparing them for launch.
The drills are “aimed at maintaining the combat readiness of the personnel and equipment of the non-strategic nuclear-weapon units,” the ministry’s statement said. It added that Russian forces should be ready to “unconditionally” ensure sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, amid “provocative statements and threats” made by some Western officials.
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