Russia has launched a large scale three-day nuclear weapons exercise involving submarines, missile launchers, aircraft, warships and more than 65,000 troops, as tensions with Ukraine and the West continue to rise.
The Russian defence ministry said the drills began on May 19 and will continue until May 21. Around 7,800 types of military equipment and weapons are taking part, including more than 200 missile launchers.
The exercise is meant to test the readiness of its strategic and tactical nuclear forces in case of external aggression. The drills include rapid troop mobilisation, missile deployment and simulated nuclear response operations.
The ministry said ballistic and cruise missile launches will also be carried out during the exercise across areas linked to the Leningrad and Central military districts.
Aircraft, ships, submarines and nuclear submarines are participating in the drill.
Russian state media also reported the involvement of nuclear-capable systems such as the Iskander-M missile platform, along with long-range aviation units and
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